Vietnam head injury study. Preliminary analysis of the functional and anatomical sequelae of penetrating head trauma.

An overview is presented of the multidisciplinary design, specific methods of motor and functional assessment, and selected preliminary data trends from the Vietnam Head Injury Study. This longitudinal study combines analyses of retrospective records with current, comprehensive inpatient examinations and investigates the anatomical and functional sequelae of penetrating head trauma in 700 Vietnam Veterans at an average of 14 years after injury. Preliminary data analysis of results from the first 160 subjects demonstrates good functional recovery despite large brain lesions. Motor abnormalities have persisted in 28 percent of the sample and are correlated with lesions involving the frontoparietal area of the cortex and the deep midline brain structures. Design concepts and long-term outcome trends will be useful to therapists in neurological rehabilitation. The study provides a model for health-team members interested in designs for longitudinal collection of outcome data.