An assessment of gait and balance deficits after traumatic brain injury

Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

J45043.

Journal:

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2003 , 84, 3, 343-349.

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Article describes the sensations of instability reported by patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Ten subjects with TBI and complaints of instability and 10 without TBI were evaluated for gait and balance deficits using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), caloric irrigation, optokinetic testing, a Dix-Hallpike Test, posturography, and motion analysis. DHI scores, composite posturography scores, and gait parameters of subjects with and without TBI were significantly different. Caloric and optokinetic testing results were abnormal only in subjects with TBI. Findings suggest that even subtle complaints of instability by patients after TBI should be investigated.

Author(s):

Basford, Jeffrey R.; Chou, Li-Shan; Kaufman, Kenton R.; Brey, Robert H.; Walker, Ann; Malec, James F.; Moessner, Anne M.; Brown, Allen W.