Long-term outcome in severe traumatic brain injury is significantly influenced by brainstem involvement.
OBJECTIVE
To study the 1-year-outcome of 32 survivors of severe traumatic brain injury with respect to the impact of brainstem injury.


METHODS
Retrospective clinical study performed in a university hospital.


METHODS
Thirty-two 1-year-survivors (15 with brainstem injury present) of severe traumatic brain injury were investigated for neurological function, activities of daily living, need for care and professional ability.


RESULTS
Visual impairment, spasticity, co-ordination deficits and organic psychosis were more frequent in the group harbouring brainstem lesions. Professional ability was worse among these patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Brainstem involvement in survivors of severe traumatic brain injury conveys a negative impact on long-term outcome.
Wedekind
C
C
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cologne, Germany. drchrwedekind@web.de
Lippert-Grüner
M
M
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000293:injuries*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D012189:Retrospective Studies