One illustration of this is the follow-up data on IQ scores. 8-12 year olds with severe TBI show an increase in IQ of 9 points by 12 months post-injury and a further 2-3 points by 30 months. 3-7 year olds with severe TBI only increase their IQ by 1 point by 30 months. Those < 3 years old with moderate or severe TBI actually show a decrease in IQ/Bayley scores over 30 months. Another determinant of outcome after TBI is psychosocial disadvantage (family dysfunction, parental unemployment, lower SES). A "double hazard" effect has been described where greater injury severity and psychosocial disadvantage together predict the poorest outcome. The consequences of stress on the family are demonstrated by increasing rates of postinjury divorce, family disruption and psychiatric disturbance. Conversely, the best outcomes are seen with good social support systems and cohesive family units. Together with injury prevention programs and effective critical care management, post-injury rehabilitation offers the best hope for reducing long-term disabilities after TBI. The knowledge that the brain has the capacity for reorganization following TBI, so-called neuronal plasticity, is the justification for rehabilitation. But neuronal plasticity only offers the potential for reorganization. It is the behavioral demands of the rehabilitation environment and process that allows the patient to take advantage of this potential to maximize recovery. "Outcome" Pages: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next