Recovery of cognitive function during comprehensive rehabilitation after severe traumatic brain injury

Authors

  • José León-Carrión
  • María Rosario Domínguez-Morales
  • Juan Manuel Barroso y Martín
  • Umberto Leon-Dominguez

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2340/16501977-0982

Keywords:

cognitive functions, neuropsychological rehabilitation, neurorehabilitation, traumatic brain injury.

Abstract

Objective: To explore the course and timing of functional recovery in patients who have emerged from coma after undergoing severe traumatic brain injury. Methods: An observational study involving 19 patients with traumatic brain injury recovered from coma who underwent holistic, intensive and multidisciplinary neurorehabilitation. Daily performance in each cognitive function (long-term memory, short-term memory, orientation, calculation, attention, mental control, automation, and planning) was clinically scored and compared at admission and discharge. Results: The course of cognitive recovery after post-traumatic coma is not uniform, offering a curve with many ups, downs and plateaus. To achieve a good response and outcome nearing normalcy, a patient needs over 300 h of intensive rehabilitation. Conclusion: The consolidation of functional recovery in patients with traumatic brain injury requires time and adequate training, and discharge is not recommended until cognitive improvement is established.

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Published

2012-05-30

How to Cite

León-Carrión, J., Domínguez-Morales, M. . R., Barroso y Martín, J. . M., & Leon-Dominguez, U. (2012). Recovery of cognitive function during comprehensive rehabilitation after severe traumatic brain injury. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 44(6), 505–511. https://doi.org/10.2340/16501977-0982

Issue

Section

Original Report