Introduction: The consequences of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are devastating, whether it is in the personal, family, health care or social spheres. Sufferers will have to follow a rehabilitation programme in which we are going to be faced with a large number of medical, neurological and orthopaedic problems that will exert an influence on that programme.
Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the epidemiological data and the gravity of the cases of TBI admitted to our Rehabilitation Unit, to identify medical and orthopaedic problems that occurred during the time patients were in hospital, and also to determine factors and variables that could have an effect on the onset of such complications.
Patients and methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted in which we surveyed and collected data from 126 case histories chosen at random from the 210 patients admitted to our Rehabilitation Unit between 1999 and 2001.
Results: Mean age, 29 years (interval 4 67), ratio of males to females, 4:1. The TBI were due to motorcycle accidents (40%), car accidents (30%) and falls (11.5%). Neurological problems appeared in 63%, the most frequent of which was psychomotor agitation. 14% displayed post traumatic hydrocephalus, and 8% presented post traumatic seizures. Gastro intestinal problems were seen in 41%, the most frequent being constipation. Respiratory problems were found in 36%, and 15.6% of the patients suffered from pneumonia. 8% displayed para articular ossifications. The number of days spent in the ICU and the days in coma were the more highly statistically significant variables associated with the onset of these complications.
Conclusions: The problems presented by TBI patients during their stay in a Hospital Rehabilitation Unit are diverse and complex; the number of days spent in the ICU and the days they are in coma are the variables that can be of most use in predicting the onset of such complications.