Brain injury : [BI]
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Brain injury : [BI] · Sep 2001
Patterns of community integration 2-5 years post-discharge from brain injury rehabilitation.
Outcome after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is characterized by a high degree of variability which has often been difficult to capture in traditional outcome studies. The purpose of this study was to describe patterns of community integration 2-5 years after TBI. Participants were 208 patients admitted to a Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit between 1991-1995 in Brisbane, Australia. ⋯ Although 38% of the sample returned to a high level of productive activity and 22% achieved a balanced lifestyle, overall community integration was poor for the remainder. This poorly integrated group had more severe injury characterized by longer periods of acute care and post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) and greater functional disability on discharge. These findings have implications for service delivery prior to and during the process of reintegration after brain injury.
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Brain injury : [BI] · Sep 2001
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms following a head injury: does amnesia for the event influence the development of symptoms?
There is controversy as to whether PTSD can develop following a brain injury with a loss of consciousness. However, no studies have specifically examined the influence of the memories that the individuals may or may not have on the development of symptoms. ⋯ Psychological distress was associated with having traumatic or no memories of an index event. Amnesia for the event did not protect against PTSD; however, it does appear to protect against the severity and presence of specific intrusive symptoms.