Prognosis After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Practical, Evidence-Based Approach

Rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury

“…PTA less than 2 months correlates with a low likelihood of severe disability while PTA greater than 3 months correlates with a low likelihood of a good outcome (Kothari and DiTommaso, 2013). PTA less than 2 months correlates with a low likelihood of severe disability while PTA greater than 3 months correlates with a low likelihood of a good outcome (Kothari and DiTommaso, 2013).…”

“…However, it is a more sensitive measure of functional capacity and may be more sensitive to changes over time (Kothari and DiTommaso, 2013). It also evaluates performance in activities of daily living and community reintegration.…”

Does Neurologic Examination During Inpatient Rehabilitation Help Predict Global Outcome After Nonpenetrating Traumatic Brain Injury?

“…The addition of EDSS was significant and accounted for an additional 27% of variance (50% total, χ 2 change = 56.38, P < .001) and yielded 77.1% accuracy. The addition of UE paresis, LE paresis, and the Romberg test in block 3 did not significantly improve the prediction of GOS (χ 2 change [3] = 3.87, nonsignificant).…”

“…The criterion standard for measuring global outcome and hence referencing prognosis after TBI is the well‐validated Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) [2]. Its attributes include broad applicability and functionally meaningful categories with clear, concise criteria [3,4]. The GOS categories that are relevant to rehabilitation populations are severe disability (needing daily care or an attendant), moderate disability (limited self‐sufficiency, not fully reintegrated), or good outcome (complete functional and integrated recovery, may have subtle residual impairment).…”

Strategies nurses use when caring for patients with moderate‐to‐severe traumatic brain injury who have cognitive impairments

“…The above‐listed impairments have major negative effects on adult patients’ lives, including chronic problems with employment, relationships, independence and healthcare management (Jaglal et al, ). The full recovery trajectory is highly variable, and prognosis and residual effects are difficult to predict (Kothari, ; Maas, Marmarou, Murray, Teasdale, & Steyerberg, ). As TBI incidence rates are high for young adults (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, ), many survivors live with the residual effects of the injury over their lifespan (Corrigan & Hammond, ).…”