C Wedekind1, M Lippert-Grüner. 1. Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cologne, Germany. drchrwedekind@web.de
Abstract
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To study the 1-year-outcome of 32 survivors of severe traumatic brain injury with respect to the impact of brainstem injury. RESEARCH DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study performed in a university hospital. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Thirty-two 1-year-survivors (15 with brainstem injury present) of severe traumatic brain injury were investigated for neurological function, activities of daily living, need for care and professional ability. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Visual impairment, spasticity, co-ordination deficits and organic psychosis were more frequent in the group harbouring brainstem lesions. Professional ability was worse among these patients. CONCLUSION: Brainstem involvement in survivors of severe traumatic brain injury conveys a negative impact on long-term outcome.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To study the 1-year-outcome of 32 survivors of severe traumatic brain injury with respect to the impact of brainstem injury. RESEARCH DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study performed in a university hospital. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Thirty-two 1-year-survivors (15 with brainstem injury present) of severe traumatic brain injury were investigated for neurological function, activities of daily living, need for care and professional ability. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS:Visual impairment, spasticity, co-ordination deficits and organic psychosis were more frequent in the group harbouring brainstem lesions. Professional ability was worse among these patients. CONCLUSION: Brainstem involvement in survivors of severe traumatic brain injury conveys a negative impact on long-term outcome.