Epidemiology of acquired brain injury (ABI) in adults: prevalence of long-term disabilities and the resulting needs for ongoing care in the region of Flanders, Belgium

Abstract

In order to plan services for long-term care of those with acquired brain injury (ABI), the prevalence of ABI was investigated by using a postal inquiry sent to a representative sample of general practitioners, of whom 121 cooperated and registered 186 cases. The corresponding estimated prevalence of adults with ABI-related disabilities is 183 per 100 000 population. The large majority remained at home without professional assistance. One in five had resumed education or regained full employment, but over half spent their day at home with no specific activity. The need for specific care at home was present in almost half of the patients. One-quarter had employment-related needs, and one in five had living needs for specialized accommodation or supported living. In conclusion, this study primarily revealed unfulfilled needs in the area of day services aiming at a maximal social and professional reintegration.

Changing Epidemiological Patterns in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Longitudinal Hospital-Based Study in Belgium

“…Previously, Lannoo et al [26] reported on the epidemiology of brain injuries in Flanders in Belgium, but this study focused on acquired brain injuries in general and not specifically on TBI. A strong feature of our study is the complete standardization of data collection over the 10-year study period and the access to raw data, permitting age-adjusted analyses.…”

Cost-benefits associated with social outcome from neurobehavioural rehabilitation

“…Long-term debilitating behavioural change is common regardless of injury severity [18] and while return to work is clearly a laudable aim and has an obvious economic benefit, it represents an unrealistic goal for many [19][20][21][22][23]. Indeed many brain-injured adults have no constructive means of occupying their time [24,25]. Therefore, the cost-effectiveness of rehabilitation has to be considered in the broadest terms, beyond return to work, with outcomes measured across a range of socially meaningful domains.…”

Changes in the coping styles of spouses and the influence of these changes on their psychosocial functioning the first year after a patient's stroke

“…Stroke (cerebrovascular accident) is a form of acquired brain injury and a major cause of death and disability in the Western world [1]. Many persons who have survived a stroke experience problems in one or more health-related domains, such as physical, cognitive, behavioural and emotional well-being.…”

“…In the long term, these difficulties often lead to long-lasting problems for the financial and social well-being of the individual. As a consequence, both the health care system and the patient's social relationships, especially with the caregiver, are seriously burdened [1,2]. Many caregivers report substantial negative psychosocial sequelae and increased emotional problems, like depression, anxiety, marital problems, financial problems, low quality of life and high levels of strain [3][4][5][6].…”