Rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury in adults

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) stands as a major public health problem and one of the most important challenges for neurological rehabilitation. This review discusses advances that have occurred in the past 10 years in rehabilitation after severe TBI in adults.

First, theoretical concepts, goals of rehabilitation and organization of resources are reviewed. Then specific questions that arise in the rehabilitation of severe TBI patients are considered.

Three phases are distinguished in post-traumatic evolution. Acute rehabilitation takes place during coma and arousal states. Specific aims are to prevent orthopaedic and visceral complications, and to provide sensory stimulations with the hope of accelerating arousal. Secondly subacute (generally inpatient) rehabilitation is designed to facilitate and accelerate recovery of impairments, and to compensate for disabilities. Motility, cognition, behaviour, personality and affect should be simultaneously addressed in an holistic approach. Physical as well as psychological independence and self-awareness are the major goals to emphasize. A third, post-acute rehabilitation phase includes outpatient therapy for achieving physical, domestic and social independence, reduction of handicaps and re-entry into the community.

Problems with returning home, obtaining financial independence, driving, returning to work, participating in social relationships and leisure activities, and the importance of psychosocial adjustment and self-acceptance, are outlined. Questions about economic aspects and rehabilitation in the future are addressed.