Prognosis Following a Brain Trauma

The prognosis for brain trauma depends on several circumstances, including the severity of the injury. More severe brain trauma alters the individual's capacity to interact with their surroundings, demonstrated in conditions like coma.

PVS

• Persistent Vegetative State (PVS), also called a coma, affects patients with severe brain trauma. The prognosis for these patients depends on the cause, severity and site of neurological damage. Recovery occurs gradually, rarely lasting more than two to four weeks.

Unresponsive State

• Some severe brain trauma victims can have normal cycles of waking and sleep. Prognosis for this involves a heightened threat of infection. Recovery requires close medical attention.

Chronic Pain

• Problems in cognitive function, like chronic pain, headaches and mental health issues, are common with concussions. The prognosis for chronic pain is good with physical therapy and medication.

Memory Deficit

• Concussions sometimes include problems with language, personality, memory and attention deficits. Improvement depends on the severity of the brain injury and any therapy that may be required.

Determining Prognosis

• The types of brain injury are concussions (mild bruising), hematomas (damaged blood vessels) and contusions (bruised brain tissue). Half of the patients with hematomas require surgery. Prognosis is based on the location of injury, severity of the wound, and age and health of the patient.

Outcomes

• The Centers for Disease Control estimates that "at least 5.3 million Americans currently have long-term or lifelong need for help to perform activities of daily living as a result of a traumatic brain injury." These injuries can cause functional changes affecting thinking, sensation, language and emotions. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke also finds a connection between traumatic brain injury and epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other brain disorders.