Functioning and disability 6-15 years after traumatic brain injuries in northern Sweden

Abstract

Objectives: To assess long-term functioning and disability after traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Material and methods: Individuals (n = 88) in Norrbotten, northern Sweden, who had been transferred for neurosurgical care were assessed with internationally established TBI outcome measures 6-15 years post-injury.

Results: There was an improvement in overall outcome from discharge from inpatient rehabilitation to follow-up. Many individuals had a high degree of motor and cognitive functioning, which enabled them to live independently in their own home without assistance, but there remained a disability related to community reintegration and social participation. This affected their productivity and to some degree their marital stability. The remaining disability and reduced productivity were related to the age at injury and the injury severity.

Conclusions: Our data showed that individuals with a TBI can achieve and maintain a high degree of functioning many years after the injury. Increasing age and a greater injury severity contributed to their long-term disability.