title: A prospective study of peripheral nerve lesions occurring in traumatic brain-injured patients.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and severity of peripheral nerve lesions occurring in patients with traumatic brain injury. A prospective study of 132 patients was conducted. Patients fulfilling research criteria (flaccidity, areflexia, abnormal motor patterns) underwent neurodiagnostic examination. Fifteen electromyograph/NCV studies were performed, yielding positive findings in 13 patients (10%); 3 patients were found to have preventable lesions. Many patients had permanent impairment or attendant complications from the peripheral nerve injury that adversely affected eventual recovery.
authors.affiliation: Harmarville Rehabilitation Center, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Cosgrove
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vargo
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Reidy
mesh_terms: D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000293:injuries; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002422:Causalgia / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008160:Lumbosacral Plexus / Q000293:injuries; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000503:physiopathology; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012019:Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy / Q000503:physiopathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies