The results demonstrate a strong association between the APOE-epsilon4 allele and a poor clinical outcome, implying genetic susceptibility to the effect of brain injury. Additional studies of TBI patients are warranted to confirm their findings.

The purpose of the present study was to look at possible gender differences in outcome after severe traumatic brain injury. Three hundred and thirty four consecutive patients, 72 females and 262 males, age range 5-65 years, were included in the study. Age range and severity of injury, evaluated by duration of unconsciousness, did not differ between male and female patients. Predicted outcome at the time of discharge from an in-patient rehabilitation programme was evaluated according to work capacity. Female TBI patients had a better predicted outcome (p < 0.015). It is suggested that progesterone, acting as a neuroprotective agent, may explain this difference in outcome.

HRV differed of patients with TBI and in the control group. Tendency to HRV normalization changes was detected during the first 3 months after the injury, which suggests recovery of the autonomic nervous system.

About half of the patients with severe TBI who complain about positional vertigo suffer from BPPV. These patients can be efficiently treated by physical maneouvres improving the rehabilitation outcome.