Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

J78677

Journal:


Brain Injury

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 30, 3, 271-279

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study assessed long-term outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI) among veterans and service members. Data were obtained from 118 veterans and military personnel, aged 23–70 years, who has sustained moderate-to-severe, followed by acute interdisciplinary rehabilitation 5–16 years earlier. The TBI Follow-up Interview (occupational, social, cognitive, neurologic and psychiatric ratings) was conducted by telephone. Measures included the Community Integration Questionnaire, Disability Rating Scale (four indices of independent function), and Satisfaction with Life Scale. At follow-up, 52 percent of participants were working or attending school; 34 percent ended or began marriages after TBI, but the overall proportion married changed little. Finally, 22 percent were still moderately-to-severely disabled. However, 62 percent of participants judged themselves to be as satisfied or more satisfied with life than before injury. Injury severity, especially post-traumatic amnesia, was correlated with poorer outcomes in all functional domains. Results indicate that after moderate-to-severe TBI, most veterans assume productive roles and are satisfied with life. However, widespread difficulties and functional limitations persist. These findings suggest that veteran and military healthcare systems should continue periodic, comprehensive follow-up evaluations long after moderate-to-severe TBI.

Author(s):


Schulz-Heik, R. Jay, Poole, John H., Dahdah, Marie N., Sullivan, Campbell, Date, Elaine S., Salerno, Rose M., Schwab, Karen, Harris, Odette

Participating Centers: