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Traumatic brain injury rehabilitation
1Institute for Rehabilitation and Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
Neurosurgery Clinics of North America
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Severe traumatic brain injury rehabilitation programs are evolving. Early intervention during acute care and tailored postacute programs aid recovery and community reentry, though newer methods require more research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Traumatology
Background:
- Improved survival rates from severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) necessitate specialized rehabilitation.
- Early intervention in acute care is crucial for preventing secondary complications.
- Existing rehabilitation models adapt treatment to patient recovery stages and impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the principles and progression of dedicated traumatic brain injury rehabilitation programs.
- To discuss the role of specialized protocols and neuropharmacology in TBI recovery.
- To examine the appropriateness of postacute rehabilitation for community reentry and return to work.
Main Methods:
- Review of established and emerging rehabilitation strategies for severe TBI.
- Adaptation of treatment protocols based on physical and cognitive impairments.
- Integration of neuropharmacological advances for specific patient populations (unconscious, agitated).
Main Results:
- Dedicated rehabilitation programs are structured to address TBI recovery stages.
- Specialized protocols exist for managing complex TBI-related conditions.
- Postacute programs facilitate community reintegration, including vocational rehabilitation.
Conclusions:
- Structured rehabilitation, starting in acute care, is vital for TBI patients.
- Ongoing research is needed to validate newer TBI rehabilitation models, particularly cognitive approaches.
- Cost-effectiveness of novel TBI rehabilitation strategies remains under investigation.