The Journal of head trauma rehabilitation
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J Head Trauma Rehabil · Jan 2004
Occipital nerve blocks in postconcussive headaches: a retrospective review and report of ten patients.
Headaches are common following traumatic brain injuries of all severities. Pain generators may be in the head itself or the neck. Headache assessment is discussed. ⋯ Finally, a retrospective study of 10 postconcussive patients with headaches who were treated with greater occipital nerve blocks is presented. Following the injection(s), 80% had a "good" response and 20% had a "partial" response. Occipital nerve block is a useful diagnostic and treatment modality in the setting of postconcussive headaches.
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J Head Trauma Rehabil · May 2003
Comparative StudyReliability of ratings on the Glasgow Outcome Scales from in-person and telephone structured interviews.
To determine test-retest reliability and interrater reliability for structured interviews for the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) using in-person and telephone contact. ⋯ The findings indicate good test-retest and interrater reliability for the structured interviews. In most circumstances a structured interview over the telephone can provide a reliable assessment of the GOS, and can safely be substituted for in person contact.
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J Head Trauma Rehabil · May 2003
Comparative StudyIncidence, characteristics, and predictive factors for Dysphagia after pediatric traumatic brain injury.
(1) To establish an incidence figure for dysphagia in a population of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases; (2) to provide descriptive data on the admitting characteristics, patterns of resolution, and outcomes of children with and without dysphagia after TBI; and (3) to identify any factors present at admission that may predict dysphagia. ⋯ The provision of incidence data and predictive factors for dysphagia will enable clinicians in acute care settings to allocate resources necessary to deal with the predicted number of dysphagia cases in a pediatric population, and assist in predicting patients who are at risk for dysphagia following TBI. Early detection of patients with swallowing dysfunction will be aided by these data, in turn helping to facilitate effective medical and speech pathology intervention via assisting the reduction of medical complications such as aspiration pneumonia.
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J Head Trauma Rehabil · Mar 2003
ReviewThe use of atypical antipsychotics in traumatic brain injury.
The use of antipsychotic medication in treating individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been controversial. Much of the caution derives from animal studies (and limited human data) with regard to typical antipsychotics. ⋯ In this article, mechanisms of action of typical and atypical antipsychotics are discussed, with particular attention paid to their use in TBI. Indications and contraindications are presented, and recommendations are made for the responsible prescribing of antipsychotic medications after TBI.