Combat-related traumatic brain injury (cTBI), particularly blast-related injury, is frequently associated with the development of persistent and disabling chronic pain. This prospective observational cohort study aims to determine the incidence, phenotypes, and early predictors of chronic pain following mild to moderate combat-related TBI. Adults will be enrolled within 14 days of injury and followed for 6 months. The primary endpoint is clinically significant chronic pain at 3 months, defined by pain intensity and functional interference. The study will evaluate clinical, psychological, and physiological factors to develop and internally validate a prognostic model for chronic pain risk after cTBI.
Age 18 to 60 years
Combat-related traumatic brain injury (blast, impact, or combined mechanism)
Mild to moderate traumatic brain injury
Enrollment within 14 days after injury
Severe traumatic brain injury with prolonged impaired consciousness
Pre-existing severe psychiatric disorder unrelated to trauma
Chronic pain condition predating the traumatic brain injury
Inability to complete follow-up assessments