Review article

Neurorehabilitation after Traumatic Brain Injury with Special Reference to Vegetative State

Ivan Dubroja

Abstract

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are one of the leading causes of disability in the contemporary world, which represents a major public health issue bearing considerable socio-economic relevance. Heterogeneity and unpredictable clinical outcomes of TBIs are the result of complex patterns of brain damage. Acute (hospital) rehabilitation is carried out after the patient’s condition is stabilized and acute treatment completed. Clinical examination should be conducted to determine the domains affected by brain damage, to devise a therapeutic plan that includes desirable goals to be attained within a specific timeframe, and to choose specific therapeutic interventions that help attain such goals. The therapeutic plan should be individualized, with both multi- and inter-disciplinary implementation. One of the identified severe consequences of TBI are disorders of consciousness. The vegetative state is clinically presented as a state of wakefulness (with eyes open) without regained awareness, in which patients demonstrate awake-sleep cycles and preserved brain stem functions. The treatment consists of preventive measures and treatment of complications, including the intensive care treatment. Rehabilitation is focused on restoring consciousness, primarily by sensorimotor stimulation.

Keywords

neurorehabilitation; traumatic brain injury; vegetative state

Hrčak ID:

216822

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/216822

Publication date:

6.2.2019.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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