Outcome in 134 patients with prolonged posttraumatic unawareness

Abstract

Most publications regarding the outcome of traumatic brain injury include patients with periods of unconsciousness of varying durations. The aim of the present paper is to describe the outcome of 72 patients who suffered from prolonged unawareness for more than 30 days and subsequently recovered consciousness. Almost half of the patients were independent in activities of daily living and another 20% were only partially dependent. Cognitive and behavioral deficits were the most common central nervous system sequelae of injury. Eight patients (11.1%) were able to resume working in the open job market and 35 (48.6%) were engaged in sheltered workshops. Most of the patients (72%), including all those who were working, were living with their families. Although the mean rehabilitation period was about 15 months, over 70% of these severely injured patients are considered to be socially integrated, enabling them to enjoy a reasonable quality of life.