Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

JA

Accession No.:

J31722.

Journal:


Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 11, 3,

Publication Website:

Abstract:

This study set out to determine whether increasing age is associated with poorer outcome in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). This was a retrospective analysis of data collected at the beginning and end of a course of inpatient medical rehabilitation. Subjects were 365 patients with TBI admitted to four model TBI rehabilitation units. All subjects received comprehensive rehabilitation including: rehabilitation medicine, neuropsychology, nursing, social work, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, vocational rehabilitation and therapeutic recreation. Outcome was measured using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the Disability Rating Scale (DRS). Results showed that after controlling for injury etiology, severity, and other demographic information, age had no statistically significant for predicting functional outcome. Level of function at admission was the strongest predictor of functional outcome at discharge. The authors conclude there is no justification for restricting access to rehabilitation on the basis of advanced age.

Author(s):


Reeder, K. P., Rosenthal, M., Lichtenberg, P., Wood, D.

Participating Centers: