[Rehabilitation of patients with brain stem damage]

We describe seven patients with serious brain stem damage who were admitted to Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital over a period of two years (1989-91). Our patients had quadriplegia and anarthria with some or completely preserved cognitive function. They experienced varying degrees of restitution, but all remained severely impaired. Important areas for rehabilitation include communication, alimentation, mobility, emotional reactions, medical complications and daily living arrangements. Severely impaired patients can enhance their quality of life by use of technical devices. Minimal motor function is necessary to control a switch, but preserved cognitive function is essential.