Traumatic Brain Injury

Summary

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) are acquired brain injuries that change the neuronal activity that affects the physical integrity, metabolic activity, and functional ability of cells. TBIs can be further subdivided into contact and non-contact injuries.

Contact Injuries

Contact injuries occur when the head is subjected to an external force. Contact injuries are also divided into open and closed injuries. Open injuries are those that penetrate the skull such as gunshot wounds. Closed injuries are those that do not penetrate the skull and are generally sustained through a fall, motor vehicle accident, or assault.

Non-contact Injuries

Non-contact injuries are inertial injuries that occur when the brain moves within the skull such as with whiplash. Regardless of mechanism, any event resulting in the compromise of brain functionality is considered a brain injury and can alter a person’s ability to complete physical, emotional, or social tasks.

Outcome Measures

Core Outcome Measures

The core set of outcome measures for adults with neurologic conditions was developed as a clinical practice guideline to create a mainstream set of outcome measures to use with this population across the continuum of care. These guidelines establish the minimum measures needed to quantify balance, walking speed, walking endurance, and transfer ability. These measures should be used with patients who have the capacity to improve in the areas listed above. These outcome measures can be used in all settings of care and at different time points of care.

Additional Outcome Measures Suitable for Stroke

In addition to the core outcomes measures, additional measures have been identified as appropriate for patients with TBIs by The Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (ANPT). The measures listed on this site have been categorized as outcome measures that must be learned throughout a 3-year DPT program. The current research, psychometric properties, and demonstration of the Action Research Arm Test, Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration in Balance, Coma Recovery Scale, Community Balance and Mobility Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, Functional Status Examination, High-Level Mobility Assessment, and Moss Attention Rating Scale can be found by clicking on each measure.