Improving Communication-specific Coping after Traumatic Brain Injury: Evaluation of a New Treatment using Single-case Experimental Design

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 190-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacinta M. Douglas ◽  
Lucy Knox ◽  
Carren De Maio ◽  
Helen Bridge
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Experimental Design ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Video Recording ◽  
Communication Breakdown ◽  
Severe Tbi ◽  
New Treatment

Background and aims: Impaired communication is a well-documented and enduring consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI). As a result of this impairment, people with TBI frequently experience communication breakdown and associated stress. Typically, we use communication-specific coping strategies in situations characterised by communication breakdown. Productive strategies enhance message transfer; non-productive strategies do little to resolve problems and frequently result in negative social interaction. This research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a new treatment, Communication-specific Coping Intervention (CommCope-I), which specifically targets coping in the context of communication breakdown.Method: Single-case experimental design (A–B–A with follow-up using multiple probes) across two participants was used. Participants were Samantha, a 30-year-old woman who had sustained severe TBI 8 years previously, and Thomas, a 34-year-old man who had sustained severe TBI when he was 29 years old. CommCope-I is a 6-week programme which targets personally relevant productive coping strategies identified collaboratively with the client. Productive coping scripts are developed and practised through a series of graded scenarios that are evaluated with the aid of video recording.Results: Percentage of non-overlapping corrected data (PNCD) was used to analyse the results. PNCD involves a data-correction procedure to remove baseline trend from the data series prior to calculating the change produced as a result of intervention. A large treatment effect was demonstrated in both participants (PNCD: end of treatment Samantha = 100%, Thomas = 100%, 3-month follow-up Samantha = 100%, Thomas = 100%). These results are consistent with highly effective treatment.Conclusions: This study provides sound phase-1 evidence for the effectiveness of CommCope-I.

scholarly journals A-116 Predicting Chronic Neurobehavioral Symptoms based on Acute Injury Characteristics and Symptoms in U.S. Military Service Members with and without history of TBI

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 909-909
Author(s):  
Lippa S ◽  
Bailie J ◽  
Brickell T ◽  
French L ◽  
Hungerford L ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Service Members ◽  
Injury Characteristics ◽  
Military Service Members ◽  
History Of ◽  
Neurobehavioral Symptoms ◽  
Severe Tbi

Abstract Objective Recovery following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is complex. Often following mild TBI, recovery occurs within days or weeks, though this is not always the case. Following more severe TBI, some recover quickly, while many never fully recover. This study examines acute predictors of chronic neurobehavioral symptoms in U.S. military service members (Age: M = 33.9 years, SD = 10.2) without injury (n = 86), or with history of uncomplicated mild traumatic brain injury (TBI; n = 56), complicated mild, moderate, or severe TBI (mod-sev TBI; n = 43), or bodily injury (n = 25). Method Participants completed the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, Alcohol Use Disorder Checklist, Combat Exposure Scale, and TBI Quality of Life and passed symptom validity tests at 0–8 months and ≥ 2 years post-injury. Forward stepwise logistic regression included 26 potential predictors (demographics, injury characteristics, military characteristics, and self-report measures at baseline) of International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems-10 Postconcussional Syndrome (PCSy) at follow-up. Results Cognitive Concerns (Exp(B) = .896, p = .001), Sleep (Exp(B) = 1.874, p < .001), Somatosensory Symptoms (Exp(B) = 1.194, p = .012), and mod-sev TBI (Exp(B) = 2.959, p = .045) significantly predicted follow-up PCSy. When baseline NSI symptoms were removed from the model, Cognitive Concerns (Exp(B) = .902, p < .001), Post-traumatic stress (Exp(B) = 1.173, p = .001), and Resilience (Exp(B) = .950, p < .031) significantly predicted PCSy. For all included measures in both models, higher symptoms at baseline predicted increased likelihood of follow-up PCSy. Both models correctly classified 81.3% of participants. Conclusion Findings suggest patients reporting psychological distress and cognitive concerns acutely should be targeted for treatment to mitigate prolonged neurobehavioral symptoms.

scholarly journals Pituitary deficiency and precocious puberty after childhood severe traumatic brain injury: a long-term follow-up prospective study

2019 ◽  
Vol 180 (5) ◽  
pp. 281-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yamina Dassa ◽  
Hélène Crosnier ◽  
Mathilde Chevignard ◽  
Magali Viaud ◽  
Claire Personnier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Precocious Puberty ◽  
Central Precocious Puberty ◽  
Height Velocity ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal Study ◽  
Pituitary Dysfunction ◽  
Severe Tbi ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

Objectives Childhood traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a public health issue. Our objectives were to determine the prevalence of permanent pituitary hormone deficiency and to detect the emergence of other pituitary dysfunctions or central precocious puberty several years after severe TBI. Design Follow-up at least 5 years post severe TBI of a prospective longitudinal study. Patients Overall, 66/87 children, who had endocrine evaluation 1 year post severe TBI, were included (24 with pituitary dysfunction 1 year post TBI). Main outcome measures In all children, the pituitary hormones basal levels were assessed at least 5 years post TBI. Growth hormone (GH) stimulation tests were performed 3–4 years post TBI in children with GH deficiency (GHD) 1 year post TBI and in all children with low height velocity (<−1 DS) or low IGF-1 (<−2 DS). Central precocious puberty (CPP) was confirmed by GnRH stimulation test. Results Overall, 61/66 children were followed up 7 (5–10) years post TBI (median; (range)); 17/61 children had GHD 1 year post TBI, and GHD was confirmed in 5/17 patients. For one boy, with normal pituitary function 1 year post TBI, GHD was diagnosed 6.5 years post TBI. 4/61 patients developed CPP, 5.7 (2.4–6.1) years post-TBI. Having a pituitary dysfunction 1 year post TBI was significantly associated with pituitary dysfunction or CPP more than 5 years post TBI. Conclusion Severe TBI in childhood can lead to permanent pituitary dysfunction; GHD and CPP may appear after many years. We recommend systematic hormonal assessment in children 1 year after severe TBI and a prolonged monitoring of growth and pubertal maturation. Recommendations should be elaborated for the families and treating physicians.

scholarly journals The pattern of hospital-community-home (HCH) nursing in tracheostomy patients with severe traumatic brain injury: is it feasible?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiangyi Yin ◽  
Jie Wu ◽  
Lihui Zhou ◽  
Chunyan Ni ◽  
Minyan Xiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Nursing Care ◽  
Severe Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Barthel Index ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Severe Tbi

Abstract Background: Tracheostomy is very common in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), and long-term nursing care are needed for those patients. We aimed to evaluate the effects of hospital-community-home (HCH) nursing in those patients. Methods: Tracheostomy patients with severe TBI needing long-term care were included. All patients underwent two months long follow-up. Glasgow coma score (GCS), Karnofsky, Self-Anxiety Scale (SAS) (SAS) and Barthel assessment at the discharge and two months after discharge were evaluated. The tracheostomy related complications were recorded and compared.Results: A total of 60 patients were included. There weren’t significant differences between two groups in the GCS, Karnofsky, SAS and Barthel index at discharge((all p>0.05), the GCS, Karnofsky and Barthel index was all significantly increased after two months follow-up for two groups (all p<0.05), and the GCS, Karnofsky and Barthel index at two months follow-up in HCH group was significantly higher than that of control group(all p<0.05), but the SAS at two months follow-up in HCH group was significantly less than that of control group(p=0.009). The incidence of block of artificial tracheal cannula and readmission in HCH group were significant less than that of control group (all p<0.05).Conclusion: HCH nursing care is feasible in tracheostomy patients with severe TBI, future studies are needed to further evaluate the role of HCH nursing care.

scholarly journals Predictors of recovery in moderate to severe traumatic brain injury

2019 ◽  
Vol 131 (5) ◽  
pp. 1648-1657
Author(s):  
Kadhaya David Muballe ◽  
Constance R. Sewani-Rusike ◽  
Benjamin Longo-Mbenza ◽  
Jehu Iputo
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Glasgow Coma Scale ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Secondary Brain Injury ◽  
Coma Scale ◽  
Severity Of Injury ◽  
Severe Tbi

OBJECTIVETraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Clinical outcomes in TBI are determined by the severity of injury, which is dependent on the primary and secondary brain injury processes. Whereas primary brain injury lesions are related to the site of impact, secondary brain injury results from physiological changes caused by oxidative stress and inflammatory responses that occur after the primary insult. The aim of this study was to identify important clinical and biomarker profiles that were predictive of recovery after moderate to severe TBI. A good functional outcome was defined as a Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score of ≥ 4.METHODSThis was a prospective study of patients with moderate to severe TBI managed at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital during the period between March 2014 and March 2016. Following admission and initial management, the patient demographic data (sex, age) and admission Glasgow Coma Scale score were recorded. Oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in blood and CSF were sampled on days 1–7. On day 14, only blood was sampled for the same biomarkers. The primary outcome was the GOS score—due to its simplicity, the GOS was used to assess clinical outcomes at day 90. Because of difficulty in performing regular follow-up due to the vastness of the region, difficult terrain, and long travel distances, a 3-month follow-up period was used to avoid default.RESULTSSixty-four patients with Glasgow Coma Scale scores of ≤ 12 were seen and managed. Among the 56 patients who survived, 42 showed significant recovery (GOS score ≥ 4) at 3 months. Important predictors of recovery included antioxidant activity in the CSF (superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity).CONCLUSIONSRecovery after TBI was dependent on the resolution of oxidative stress imbalance.

scholarly journals Home Environment as a Predictor of Long-Term Executive Functioning following Early Childhood Traumatic Brain Injury

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christianne Laliberté Durish ◽  
Keith Owen Yeates ◽  
Terry Stancin ◽  
H. Gerry Taylor ◽  
Nicolay C. Walz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Home Environment ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Severe Tbi

AbstractObjectives:This study examined the relationship of the home environment to long-term executive functioning (EF) following early childhood traumatic brain injury (TBI).Methods:Participants (N=134) were drawn from a larger parent study of 3- to 6-year-old children hospitalized for severe TBI (n=16), complicated mild/moderate TBI (n=44), or orthopedic injury (OI;n=74), recruited prospectively at four tertiary care hospitals in the United States and followed for an average of 6.8 years post-injury. Quality of the home environment, caregiver psychological distress, and general family functioning were assessed shortly after injury (i.e., early home) and again at follow-up (i.e., late home). Participants completed several performance-based measures of EF at follow-up. Hierarchical regression analyses examined the early and late home environment measures as predictors of EF, both as main effects and as moderators of group differences.Results:The early and late home environment were inconsistent predictors of long-term EF across groups. Group differences in EF were significant for only the TEA-Ch Walk/Don’t Walk subtest, with poorer performance in the severe TBI group. However, several significant interactions suggested that the home environment moderated group differences in EF, particularly after complicated mild/moderate TBI.Conclusions:The home environment is not a consistent predictor of long-term EF in children with early TBI and OI, but may moderate the effects of TBI on EF. The findings suggest that interventions designed to improve the quality of stimulation in children’s home environments might reduce the long-term effects of early childhood TBI on EF. (JINS, 2018,24, 11–21)

scholarly journals The radiological interpretation of possible microbleeds after moderate or severe traumatic brain injury: a longitudinal study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anke W. van der Eerden ◽  
Thomas L. A. van den Heuvel ◽  
Marnix C. Maas ◽  
Priya Vart ◽  
Pieter E. Vos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Severe Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Clinical Consequences ◽  
Severe Tbi ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Introduction In order to augment the certainty of the radiological interpretation of “possible microbleeds” after traumatic brain injury (TBI), we assessed their longitudinal evolution on 3-T SWI in patients with moderate/severe TBI. Methods Standardized 3-T SWI and T1-weighted imaging were obtained 3 and 26 weeks after TBI in 31 patients. Their microbleeds were computer-aided detected and classified by a neuroradiologist as no, possible, or definite at baseline and follow-up, separately (single-scan evaluation). Thereafter, the classifications were re-evaluated after comparison between the time-points (post-comparison evaluation). We selected the possible microbleeds at baseline at single-scan evaluation and recorded their post-comparison classification at follow-up. Results Of the 1038 microbleeds at baseline, 173 were possible microbleeds. Of these, 53.8% corresponded to no microbleed at follow-up. At follow-up, 30.6% were possible and 15.6% were definite. Of the 120 differences between baseline and follow-up, 10% showed evidence of a pathophysiological change over time. Proximity to extra-axial injury and proximity to definite microbleeds were independently predictive of becoming a definite microbleed at follow-up. The reclassification level differed between anatomical locations. Conclusions Our findings support disregarding possible microbleeds in the absence of clinical consequences. In selected cases, however, a follow-up SWI-scan could be considered to exclude evolution into a definite microbleed.

scholarly journals The language network reemerges during recovery from severe traumatic brain injury

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian J. Coffey ◽  
Zachary D. Threlkeld ◽  
Yelena G. Bodien ◽  
Brian L. Edlow
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Severe Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Language Function ◽  
Severe Tbi ◽  
The Right ◽  
Language Network

AbstractRegaining the ability to express and understand language is a key milestone for patients recovering from severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the neurobiological correlates of language recovery after TBI have not been identified. We explored whether recovery of language in patients with acute severe TBI is associated with functional MRI (fMRI) changes within and outside the canonical language network (i.e. bilateral superior temporal gyri [STG] and inferior frontal gyri [IFG]). We consecutively enrolled 16 adult patients with acute severe TBI and performed fMRI assessment using a spoken language stimulus in the intensive care unit. Eight patients, all of whom recovered language function, returned for follow-up fMRI at median [interquartile range] 220.5 [189-473.5] days post-injury. Sixteen age- and sex-matched healthy subjects also completed the fMRI paradigm. Language function was behaviorally assessed immediately before fMRI using the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised and components of the Confusion Assessment Protocol. At follow-up, patients also completed the California Verbal Learning Test-II. We compared acute and follow-up fMRI responses by calculating mean Z-scores of suprathreshold voxels in bilateral STG and IFG regions-of-interest (ROI). We also performed a whole-brain analysis. Significant longitudinal increases to language stimuli were found in the left STG but not the right STG, left IFG, or right IFG. Whole-brain analysis revealed longitudinal changes in the right supramarginal and middle temporal gyri, regions known to be involved in language processing. Both acute and follow-up fMRI responses in patients were indistinguishable from those of healthy subjects at a stringent statistical threshold of Z ≥ 3.1. At lower statistical thresholds (e.g. Z ≥ 2.1) patients assessed acutely demonstrated decreased fMRI responses in right STG and IFG compared to healthy subjects. Collectively, these results provide initial evidence that responses in bihemispheric language-processing regions of cerebral cortex reemerge with recovery of language function in patients with severe TBI.

Alexia and Agraphia Intervention Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Single Case Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 1152-1166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Hux ◽  
Tana Mahrt
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Oral Reading ◽  
Reading Speed ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Substantial Improvement ◽  
Word Decoding ◽  
Sight Word

Purpose This case study documents the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention for an adolescent with acquired alexia and agraphia following severe traumatic brain injury. Method Initial testing revealed severe central alexia and surface agraphia with concomitant anomic aphasia. Intervention components included sight word drills, modified Multiple Oral Reading (MOR) procedures, functional reading tasks, and modified Copy and Recall Treatment. Intervention spanned 2 months with sessions 5 days per week. Data collection and analysis involved monitoring sight word decoding, reading speed and decoding errors during MOR, and spelling accuracy of Copy and Recall Treatment words. Follow-up testing occurred at intervention conclusion. Results Sight word mastery for 315 words progressed from 66.35% to 100% over 5 weeks and was maintained thereafter. MOR materials progressed from Grade 1 to Grade 5. Initial reading speed was 31 words per minute with errors on 15% of words. At program completion, reading speed was 47 words per minute with 7% decoding errors despite increased difficulty of reading material. The participant demonstrated initial mastery of 15 spelling lists containing 15 words each and sustained mastery (2 additional consecutive weeks of 100% accuracy) of 8 lists. Follow-up assessment revealed improvements consistent with 3–4 grade levels but persistent impairment relative to premorbid functioning. Conclusion The multicomponent program was effective in promoting substantial improvement, although surface alexia and agraphia persisted after 2 months of treatment. The case provides an example of the type and extent of progress possible given minimal initial recovery but systematic intervention within the context of intensive postacute rehabilitation.

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