Objective and behavioural assessment of the emergence from post-traumatic amnesia (PTA).
OBJECTIVE
To determine the profile of resolution of typical PTA behaviours and describe new learning and improvements in self-care during PTA.


METHODS
Prospective longitudinal study monitoring PTA status, functional learning and behaviours on a daily basis.


METHODS
Participants were 69 inpatients with traumatic brain injury who were in PTA. PTA was assessed using the Westmead or Oxford PTA assessments. Functional learning capability was assessed using a routine set of daily tasks and behaviour was assessed using an observational checklist. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics.


RESULTS
Challenging behaviours that are typically associated with PTA, such as agitation, aggression and wandering resolved in the early stages of PTA and incidence rates of these behaviours were less than 20%. Independence in self-care and bowel and bladder continence emerged later during resolution of PTA. New learning in functional situations was demonstrated by patients in PTA.


CONCLUSIONS
It is feasible to begin active rehabilitation focused on functional skills-based learning with patients in the later stages of PTA. Formal assessment of typically observed behaviours during PTA may complement memory-based PTA assessments in determining emergence from PTA.
Weir
Nicole
N
Occupational Therapy Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Australia. nicole_weir@health.qld.gov.au
Doig
Emmah J
EJ
Fleming
Jennifer M
JM
Wiemers
Anna
A
Zemljic
Collette
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000647:Amnesia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D001519:Behavior; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies