Objective

The aim of our study was to assess the functional outcome of brain injury (BI) victims and to review the impact of treatment time on functional abilities.

Material/patients and methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study including patients referred to physical and rehabilitation medicine department at the Med Kassab Institute of Orthopedics. The initial gravity data were collected. The functional outcome was assessed by the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) French version, the get up and go test, the walk test on 10 m, the functional independence measure (FIM) and daily life activities. We sought an association between functional status and the treatment time.

Results

Thirty-two patients, 24 men and 8 women, mean age 23.93 years assessed after BI. The Glasgow Coma Score initial average was 5/15 with duration average of sedation of 7.4 days. Most patients (56%) had a get up and go test < 20 seconds, locomotor performance assessed by walking test on 10 m were moderately affected in most patients, the average FIM was 104/126 and half of the evaluated subjects had a discontinuous need of a third person for daily life activities. Twelve patients had a good recovery (GOS 5), 10 had a moderate disability (GOS 4), and 10 with severe disability (GOS 3). The average treatment time was 3 months. Earlier was the care better was the functional status of BI and less was the impact on daily life with a statistically significant difference ( P < 0.05).

Discussion–conclusion

After BI, the functional outcome of patients appears heterogeneous. BI remains a health burden requiring early and multidisciplinary care to preserve the autonomy and to improve the quality of life.