title: Observed recovery sequence in neurobehavioral function after severe traumatic brain injury.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The Western Neuro Sensory Stimulation Profile (WNSSP) presents a hierarchy of items suggestive of a sequence of recovery. The aim of this study was to understand the sequence of recovery of neurobehavioral function in patients with brain injury and determine whether this sequence was consistent with the WNSSP test item order.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a retrospective clinical chart audit of 37 adult inpatients (mean age = 29 yr; 31 men, 6 women) with a diagnosis of traumatic brain injury and a minimum of two medical record entries on the WNSSP. The sequence of recovery was statistically derived from the content and structure of the WNSSP.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our analysis did not support the current item ordering of the WNSSP as a function of the sequence of recovery from coma, with the exception of the Arousal/Attention subscale.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  WNSSP item performance suggested a sequence of recovery; clinicians may consider a revised item order that reflects this observed order.
authors: Occupational Therapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. N.Lannin@latrobe.edu.au
authors: Natasha A
authors: NA
authors: Lannin
authors: Anne
authors: A
authors: Cusick
authors: Robyn
authors: R
authors: McLachlan
authors: Jeanine
authors: J
authors: Allaous
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001143:Arousal; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015599:Trauma Severity Indices