[Prognosis, long-term sequelae and occupational reintegration 2-4 years after severe craniocerebral trauma]

122 patients with severe head injuries were assessed in terms of their global outcome and social and vocational reintegration 2 to 4 years after trauma. Some patients were studied with regard to physical, psychological, psychosocial, and cognitive long-term consequences. Less than half of the patients (43%) were found to be without employment handicap, while the remainder showed various degrees of occupational difficulty. Most of the patients had significant long-term problems related to cognitive and psychosocial dysfunction. The cognitive disorder, physical handicap, age, and duration of unconsciousness are all important prognostic factors for vocational reintegration, neuropyschological impairment being the single most important factor.