Assessement of Independence and Cognitive Function in Acute Period after Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

Research background. According to the WHO, traumatic brain injury in 2020 will be one of the predominant causes of death and disability. Today, traumatic brain injury is a serious social problem, causing high morbidity and mortality, as well as high social costs. The most common traumatic head injury victims are young adults of productive age; that is why professional skills and the quality of health could be affected (Oliveira et al., 2012). The aim of the study was to evaluate independence and levels of cognitive functions of people with traumatic head brain injury. Research methods. Thirty four patients took part in the study. They were 51.5 ± 18.5 years old. The patients were selected according their diagnosis – traumatic head brain injury (S06-S06.9 according IDC-10) and being threated in hospitals (not longer than one week after hospitalization). Consciousness and neurological condition of patients were tested in the study according to Glasgow Coma Scale, independence skills – according to Functional Independence Measure, and cognitive function – according to Cognistat test. Research results. Analysing patients, with TBI, cognitive function disorders using Cognistat test, it was established that construction abilities and memory were the furtherst from the normal level and ability to repeat was the closest. Independence abilities were better while eating, hygiene procedures, going to the toilet, dressing up if cognitive functions were less impaired (p < 0.05). Conclussions. 1. For patients with mild or medium traumatic brain injury, cognitive functions are impaired, memory or construction abilities suffer most of all. 2. The most difficult task is to climb the stairs or wash themselves if patients get TBI. 3. Independence abilities depend on the level of TBI, but not on the level of cognitive function.

Keywords: traumatic brain injury, cognitive functions, rehabilitation.