[Prognostic factors in head injuries].
OBJECTIVE
Establishment of the prognosis after traumatic brain damage is an important question for doctors, patients and their families, as well as for health organizations and insurers. The precision of the prognosis varies markedly according to the final objective of the prediction (mortality, severity and type of residual defects, return to work), apart from consideration of the many factors which may affect the clinical course after this type of lesion. Our study considers the current state of this question.


METHODS
We consider the main methodological difficulties in carrying out such studies and review the main variables affecting the prognosis in head injuries, divided into three general groups (severity and type of lesion, characteristics of the individual and variables depending on the context). Finally, we make general comments on the effect of multidisciplinary rehabilitation in relation to the functional prognosis and level of social and employment integration attained by the injured persons.
Muñoz-Céspedes
J M
JM
Servicio de Psiquiatría; Hospital Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, 50009, España. jmcespedes@correo.cop.es
Paúl Laprediza
N M
NM
Pelegrín-Valero
C
C
Tirapu-Ustarroz
J
J
D000367:Age Factors; D000647:Amnesia / Q000209:etiology; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D003128:Coma / Q000209:etiology; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D011379:Prognosis; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012944:Social Support; D013997:Time Factors