Article

OBJECTIVE: To examine factors impacting long-term functional and psychological
outcomes in persons with moderate-severe traumatic brain injury. METHODS: A
prospective cross-sectional study (n = 103) assessed the long-term (up to 5
years) impact of traumatic brain injury on participants' current activity and
restriction in participation using validated questionnaires. RESULTS: Participants' median age was 49.5 years (interquartile range (IQR) 20.4-23.8),
the majority were male (77%), and 49% had some form of previous rehabilitation.
The common causes of traumatic brain injury were falls (42%) and motor vehicle
accidents (27%). Traumatic brain injury-related symptoms were: pain/headache
(47%), dizziness (36%), bladder/bowel impairment (34%), and sensory-perceptual
deficits (34%). Participants reported minimal change in their physical function
and cognition (Functional Assessment Measure: motor (median 102, IQR 93-111) and
cognition (median 89, IQR 78-95)). Participants were well-adjusted to
community-living; however, they reported high levels of depression. Factors
significantly associated with poorer current level of functioning/well-being
included: older age (>/= 60 years), presence of traumatic brain injury-related
symptoms, a lack of previous rehabilitation and those classified in "severe
disability categories" at admission. Caregivers reported high levels of strain
and burden (55%). CONCLUSION: Cognitive and psychosocial problems are more
commonly reported than physical disability in the longer-term. A greater focus on
participation and ageing with disability in these persons is needed.

Langue : ANGLAIS