F-1-01-01
GROUP FOR PERSONB AFTER TBI: LONG-TERM RESULTS IN REINTEGRATION
Jiri Votava, Yvona Angerova, Jan Splichal (First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic).
Persons with sequelae after traumatic brain injury (TBI) suffer often by long lasting disabilities. Our department decided to develop long-term program for these clients. Since 1993 closer contact with European Brain Injury Society (EBIS) was established. EBIS Chart was translated and used for interdisciplinary collaboration in TBI.
In 1994 the psychotherapeutic group for out-patients after TBI (8-12 members) was founded in our department. The group held regular meetings every two weeks under guidance of staff members. Group psychoterapy together with counseling and social activities were part of meetings. Members of group received also other rehabilitation services, if necessary. Program was later extended by "club activities": hippotherapy, swimming, weekend trips. In certain cases personal assistance is needed.
Positive development in independence, employment and integration was seen in most of group members during 2 years. Collaboration of psychologist, physician and social worker in the leadership together with group atmosphere allowed to reach optimal results.
F-1-01-02
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE MINI-MENTAL STATE EXAMINATION AND TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
P. J. Hantsch, G.E. Klingbeil (Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US)
Purpose: In the acute setting, the cognitive deficits in traumatic brain injury (TBI) are often minimized or overlooked altogether. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), a well known and easily administered test, is an ideal form of cognitive assessment. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of the MMSE as a screening tool for TBI.
Method: The MMSE was administered by one examiner (PJH) to 27 TBI patients within 4 days of admission to an inpatient brain injury unit. MMSE total score was compared to lowest quartile age- and education-matched population norms. Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), presence of head CT/MRI lesions, and presence of concurrent craniofacial fractures were also recorded for each subject.
Result: Data were analyzed using a chi-square test comparing observed values to population norms. MMSE scores for TBI patients were significantly depressed (p<0.01) compared to norms. Lower MMSE scores were found with lower GCS scores but this trend was not significant. There was also a trend toward lower MMSE scores when either CT/MRI lesions or craniofacial fractures were present.
Conclusion: The MMSE is an effective tool for identifying cognitive deficits in the TBI population. In addition, lower GCS scores, presence of head CT/MRI lesions, and presence of concurrent craniofacial fractures were suggestive of lower MMSE scores.
