The Journal of head trauma rehabilitation
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J Head Trauma Rehabil · Dec 2002
Retrospective assessment of rehabilitation outcome after traumatic brain injury: development and utility of the functional independence level.
To develop a measure suitable for retrospective analysis of qualitative brain injury outcome data, the Functional Independence Level (FIL), and document its reliability, validity, and utility. ⋯ The FIL is a reliable and useful tool for retrospective and prospective assessments of rehabilitation outcome. Gains made during primary rehabilitation by people with severe traumatic brain injury are generally maintained at long-term follow up. Retrospective ratings using the DRS and FIL can help guide postacute rehabilitation planning within state or regional head injury programs.
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J Head Trauma Rehabil · Oct 2002
ReviewEducational neuroimaging: a proposed neuropsychological application of near-infrared spectroscopy (nIRS).
To provide a description of an emerging neuroimaging methodology, near-infrared spectroscopy (nIRS), and a potential educational application of the unique aspects of this technology. ⋯ nIRS holds the potential of opening new clinical questions and opportunities for neuropsychologists, and may provide a low-cost means of repeatable, neurovascular monitoring in nonmedical settings.
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J Head Trauma Rehabil · Aug 2002
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialAmantadine to improve neurorecovery in traumatic brain injury-associated diffuse axonal injury: a pilot double-blind randomized trial.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a high-speed transportation accident results in a mechanism of injury commonly described as diffuse axonal injury (DAI), which is associated with a reduction in dopamine turnover in the brain. Because of its affect on both dopamine and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) channels, amantadine has been the subject of considerable interest and clinical use in acute TBI. ⋯ There was a consistent trend toward a more rapid functional improvement regardless of when a patient with DAI-associated TBI was started on amantadine in the first 3 months after injury.
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J Head Trauma Rehabil · Jun 2002
Comparative StudyAssessment of anosmia after traumatic brain injury: performance characteristics of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test.
To examine the performance characteristics of two forms of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) in a sample of persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI). ⋯ These findings support past investigations indicating that anosmia, and unawareness of olfactory dysfunction, are common in persons with TBI and related to injury severity. The use of the 3-item screening measure as a gross indicator was supported, although caution is advised, because nearly 20% of patients performing perfectly on the 3-item screen scored in the anosmic range on the full UPSIT.
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To investigate correlates of life satisfaction after traumatic brain injury (TBI). ⋯ Life satisfaction after TBI seems to be related to attaining healthy and productive lifestyles. Future research should investigate other factors that affect life satisfaction to increase prediction and appreciate all influences on subjective well being after TBI.