A QEEG index of level of functional dependence for people sustaining acquired brain injury: the Seville Independence Index (SINDI).
OBJECTIVE
To find an easy-to-use, valid and reliable tool for evaluating the level of functional dependence of an individual with brain damage who seeks a diagnosis of his/her functional dependence in daily activities.


METHODS
Eighty-one patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) in post-acute phase, 40 traumatic brain injury (TBI) and 41 cerebral vascular accident (CVA), were assessed using quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) and grouped according to the FIM + FAM scale. Discriminant analysis was performed on QEEG variables to obtain a discriminant function with the best discriminative capacity between functionality groups.


RESULTS
Discriminant analysis showed classification accuracy of 100% in the training set sample and 75% in an external cross-validation sample; 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity were reached. Coherence measures were the most numerous variables in the function.


CONCLUSIONS
These results point out that the discriminant function may be a useful tool in objective evaluations of patients seeking a diagnosis of their level of dependence and that it could be included in current functionality assessment protocols.
Leon-Carrion
Jose
J
Human Neuropsychology Laboratory, School of Psychology, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain. leoncarrion@us.es
Martin-Rodriguez
Juan Francisco
JF
Damas-Lopez
Jesus
J
Martin
Juan Manuel Barroso Y
JM
Dominguez-Morales
Maria Del Rosario
Mdel R
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D016002:Discriminant Analysis; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation