The polytrauma clinical triad in patients with chronic pain after motor vehicle collision.

Background: The polytrauma clinical triad (PCT) is a complex disorder composed of three comorbid diagnoses of chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and postconcussion syndrome (PCS). PCT has been documented in veterans returning from deployment, but this is the first report on PCT prevalence in nonmilitary personnel after a motor vehicle collision (MVC).

Methods: Data were drawn from routine intake assessments completed by 71 patients referred to a community-based clinic for chronic pain management.