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Serious traumatic brain injury: an evaluation of functional outcomes
M L Hawkins1, F D Lewis, R S Medeiros
1Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912, USA.
Objectives:
Evaluate independent living, productivity, and social outcomes of patients with serious traumatic brain injury (TBI) after inpatient rehabilitation.
Methods:
Fifty-five adults with serious TBI (Abbreviated Injury Scale score > or = 3) were admitted to a Level I trauma center and subsequently transferred to a comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation hospital (Walton Rehabilitation Hospital). Functional Independence Measures were obtained at admission (Adm), discharge (D/C), and at 3- (n = 52) and 1-year (n = 51) follow-up.
Results:
At 1 year, 90% of the patients were living at home. Eight (16%) required full-time supervision, while 41 (82%) were independent of supervision throughout most of the day. Thirteen (25%) patients had returned to work, eight full time and five with reduced responsibility and fewer hours than before injury. Nineteen shared household duties, while eight (16%) had primary responsibility. Fourteen (27%) patients demonstrated socially inappropriate or disruptive behavior at least weekly. [table: see text]
Conclusion:
Although cognitive skills were diminished for the majority of patients, many achieved a substantial reduction in disability within 18 months after TBI.