Prognostic factors in rehabilitation after severe head injury. Assessment six months after trauma.

Abstract

After initial neurosurgical treatment, 40 patients who regained consciousness 1 to 90 days after major cerebral trauma, were admitted for rehabilitation. Six months after their injury they were assessed in terms of: 1) Locomotor function, 2) Intellectual performance, 3) Communication disorder, and 4) behaviour disturbances. The usefulness of these parameters as prognostic factors in rehabilitation is discussed. Eight patients without significant disabilities in all 4 parameters returned to normal life. Patients who showed locomotor, communicative and behaviour impairment but no gross intellectual deficits, were considered capable of being retrained. The poorest prospects for social and vocational rehabilitation were found in 15 patients with cognitive defects.