[The benefits of rehabilitation in people with low potential for recuperation]

This article presents the story of a young man who sustained severe limitations following a traumatic brain injury. Considering his very slow recovery rate and a virtual absence of contact with the environment, hopes for rehabilitation were deemed very low. He was nevertheless admitted to a rehabilitation institute for a trial period in November of 2000.

This trial revealed potential for rehabilitation and daily treatments were undertaken. This young man left the rehabilitation centre two years later capable of new social participation, including attending an adapted school and even taking small trips. The mobilisation of the rehabilitation team, the financial support of the insurance company, the contribution of assistive devices, the support of those around him, collaborations with his community and above all his own motivation were all factors that played a major role in his rehabilitation.

This rehabilitation experience brought the team to reflect on factors that determine rehabilitation potential, the notion of significant progress, as well as concepts of quality of life and social participation.