Table 1 Multidisciplinary goals of early rehabilitation after moderate to severe traumatic brain injury
From: Early neuro-rehabilitation in traumatic brain injury: the need for an African perspective
No | Goals |
|---|---|
1 | Serial assessment of consciousness |
2 | Posture and tone management during the period of acute care with appropriate orthotics, splints, stretching regimes, medications, and focal tone management such as botulinum toxins/nerve blocks |
3 | Advice and interventions regarding early mobilization |
4 | Advice regarding sleep problems |
5 | Managing agitation, dysautonomia, pain, and bladder and bowel functions |
6 | Serial assessment of post-traumatic amnesia |
7 | Early assessment of communication (and swallowing, if appropriate) and provision of assistive technology |
8 | Help with tracheostomy care and the weaning programme |
9 | Plan for long-term nutrition |
10 | Prevent any skin breakdown |
11 | Assessment of ongoing rehabilitation needs, liaising, and transfer to a long-term rehabilitation facility |
12 | Assessment of mental capacity and facilitating best interest decisions |
13 | Providing prognosis |
14 | Family support |