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Rehabilitation outcomes in encephalitis--a retrospective study 1990-1997
S Moorthi1, W N Schneider, M L Dombovy
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Rochester, New York, USA.
Brain Injury
|March 18, 1999
Summary
Encephalitis survivors can achieve functional gains in rehabilitation, but recovery rates vary and are typically lower than for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke. Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores can help identify adult patients who may benefit from inpatient rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Encephalitis is an uncommon condition with disabling sequelae in survivors.
- Limited data exists on outcomes following inpatient rehabilitation for encephalitis.
- Identifying patients who benefit from rehabilitation is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe outcomes in encephalitis patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation.
- To develop criteria for selecting encephalitis patients for rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of demographic, clinical, functional (FIM), and neuropsychological data.
- Study cohort included eight patients aged 5–75 with encephalitis admitted to a brain injury rehabilitation unit (1990–1997).
Main Results:
- Mean FIM gain was 29.8, with an efficiency of 0.39.
- Adults with admission FIM > 30 at 5 weeks post-onset (n=4) had higher FIM LOS efficiency (0.64) and were discharged home.
- Adults with admission FIM < 30 at 5 weeks post-onset (n=3) were not discharged home, while one child (n=1) with low FIM made good recovery.
Conclusions:
- Encephalitis patients show functional gains in rehabilitation, but recovery is generally slower than for TBI and stroke.
- Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores can screen adult patients for inpatient rehabilitation suitability.
- Children with low FIM scores may still benefit from a trial of inpatient rehabilitation.