Outcome from traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) continues to be a significant public health issue. Advances in acute medical care after brain injury have improved mortality, but the morbidity from residual neurological deficits remains high. Multiple variables have been shown to have an impact on the outcome from TBI and, although many of these factors are not modifiable, a number of them can be influenced by medical interventions. Multidimensional assessments of the early clinical findings can provide some predictions regarding the potential for recovery after TBI. In addition, an awareness of the modifiable factors may assist with the prevention of secondary injury and optimization of the long-term outcome. Certain neurodiagnostic studies can be used to supplement the patients' physical findings and help guide medical management. Finally, rehabilitation services have documented benefit in the TBI population and are being initiated earlier in the course of medical care. This article attempts to review many of these variables and provide information on the clinical outcomes following TBI.

Music therapy in physical medicine and rehabilitation

“…When serious physiological changes occur, physical rehabilitation is required to restore the highest physical function possible and/or to prevent functional decline. The three factors that determine the potential for regaining full function are the prognosis for recovery, the premorbid condition of the person, and the environmental resources available ( Shutter & Jallo, 1998). The physical rehabilitation team mostly consists of physicians specialized in physical medicine (physiatrist), physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, nurses, and social workers.…”