The Journal of head trauma rehabilitation
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J Head Trauma Rehabil · Mar 2013
Factors predicting functional and cognitive recovery following severe traumatic, anoxic, and cerebrovascular brain damage.
To compare demographic data, clinical data, and rate of functional and cognitive recovery in patients with severe traumatic, cerebrovascular, or anoxic acquired brain injury (ABI) and to identify factors predicting discharge home. ⋯ Patients with traumatic brain injury achieved greater functional and cognitive improvements than patients with cerebrovascular and anoxic ABI. Age, etiology, and admission DRS score can assist in predicting discharge destination.
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The purpose of this study was to characterize traumatic brain injuries (TBI) sustained in ground-level falls (GLFs). The focus was on factors associated with acute computed tomographic (CT) findings. ⋯ Older age and long-term alcohol abuse increase the likelihood of acute intracranial CT abnormalities. The pattern of intracranial traumatic CT findings does not differ from other causes of TBI. Clinical signs and indices of TBI severity did not predict traumatic CT findings.
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Individuals who develop maladaptive coping styles after traumatic brain injury (TBI) usually experience difficulty expressing their emotional state, increasing the risk of psychological distress. Difficulties expressing emotion and identifying feelings are features of alexithymia, which is prevalent following TBI. ⋯ Early screening for alexithymia following TBI might identify those most at risk of developing maladaptive coping mechanisms. This could assist in developing early rehabilitation interventions to reduce vulnerability to later psychological distress.