Abstract: Objective To investigate the influence of age, injury side and injury area on Mini- Mental State Examination (MMSE)scores. Methods General data of 67 patients with severe traumatic brain injury were recorded, and they were assessed with MMSE. Results The scores were low in recalling, orientation, calculation, writing and drawing, while they were high in naming, memorizing, reiteration and comprehension. The total MMSE scores and the scores of space orientation and reading were lower in 45~65 years old patients than in 18~44 years old patients (P<0.05). There was significantly difference in time orientation, space orientation, recalling and calculation between basal ganglia injury and front lobes injury (P<0.05), as well as in total MMSE scores, time orientation, space orientation, calculation and drawing between basal ganglia injury and front, temporal and parietal lobes injury (P<0.05). Conclusion MMSE scores do reflect cognitive impairment in patients with traumatic brain injury, the specific age and injury area of the brain can influence the cognitive impairment in patients.

Key words: traumatic brain injury, cognitive impairment, Mini-Mental State Examination, rehabilitation