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Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) may have more difficulty with home management activities 1 year postinjury. That may be especially true for patients who are elderly or have more significant cognitive challenges.

 

How well patients who suffered TBI performed home management activities 1 year postinjury was examined in a study that followed 164 rehabilitation inpatients with moderate to severe TBI. Of the 164 inpatients, 77% were men, 75% were Caucasian, and the mean age was 35.4 years. The researchers looked at the patients' performance of home management activities in relation to demographics, injury severity, neuropsychological functioning, and living situation.

 

Researchers concluded that accurate preinjury information is needed to better guide the treatment plan and interventions, better assess recovery of function, and more accurately determine the nature and extent of postinjury loss.

 

Source

 

Powell JM, et al. Gaining insight into patients' perspectives on participation in home management activities after traumatic brain injury. American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 61(3):269-279, May/June 2007.