Long-term outcome in severe traumatic brain injury is significantly influenced by brainstem involvement

Primary objective: To study the 1-year-outcome of 32 survivors of severe traumatic brain injury with respect to the impact of brainstem injury. Research design: Retrospective clinical study performed in a university hospital. Methods and procedures: Thirty-two 1-year-survivors ( 15 with brainstem injury present) of severe traumatic brain injury were investigated for neurological function, activities of daily living, need for care and professional ability. Main outcomes and results: Visual impairment, spasticity, co-ordination deficits and organic psychosis were more frequent in the group harbouring brainstem lesions. Professional ability was worse among these patients. Conclusion: Brainstem involvement in survivors of severe traumatic brain injury conveys a negative impact on long-term outcome.