The rehabilitation of adolescents with traumatic brain injury: outcome and follow-up.
Outcome data from 17 brain-injured adolescents discharged from a rehabilitation centre during a 2-year period were analysed. The outcome measures were academic status and living environment. The descriptive variables were demographic, behavioural, psychological and neuropsychological data for each client. Before admission, 24% of the adolescents were living at home with their parents, 29% were in rehabilitation hospitals and 47% were in psychiatric settings. At discharge, 58% were living with their families, 23% were living in group homes, 12% were in supervised apartments and 5% were in an alternative rehabilitation centre. Academically, 53% were discharged into public schools, 23% were competitively employed and 23% attended special schools. Follow-up reports, dated 8-24 months post-discharge, found that 40% of the adolescents continued to live with their parents and 30% were in public schools. All of the adolescents were living and working or attending school in the community. Factors in the successful rehabilitation of brain-injured adolescents are discussed.
Burke
W H
WH
New Medico Highwatch Rehabilitation Center, Center Ossipee, NH 03814.
Wesolowski
M D
MD
Buyer
D M
DM
Zawlocki
R J
RJ
D000124:Achievement; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000523:psychology*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000523:psychology; D012931:Social Environment