Serious traumatic brain injury: an evaluation of functional outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
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]


CONCLUSIONS
Although cognitive skills were diminished for the majority of patients, many achieved a substantial reduction in disability within 18 months after TBI.
Hawkins
M L
ML
Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912, USA.
Lewis
F D
FD
Medeiros
R S
RS
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003071:Cognition; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D014193:Trauma Centers