Computerized tomography and rehabilitation outcome after severe head trauma

Thirty patients with severe head trauma underwent an extensive in-hospital multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. Computerized tomographic(CT) scans were arranged into 4 distinct groups. Group 1 comprised those individuals with normal CT scans, group 2 those with small ventricles, group 3 had focal intracranial hemorrhage or mass effect, and group 4 enlarged ventricles (disproportionate to patient's age and size of cortical sulci). The outcome after a rehabilitation program was assessed by functional and psychologic criteria. Groups 1 and 2 had the best outcome, although many in these categories were left with permanent physical and psychologic disabilities. Those with focal intracranial hemorrhage did not do as well. The group with enlarged ventricles had the poorest outcome of all. Other factors relating to outcome included age, length of coma, presence of motor disabilities, seizures, and skull fractures.