MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences UnitCBSU bibliography search
To request a reprint of a CBSU publication, please
click here to send us an email (reprints may not be available for all publications)
Monitoring emergence from coma following severe brain injury in an octogenarian using behavioural indicators, electrophysiological measures, and metabolic studies: A demonstration of the potential for good recovery in older adults
Authors:
Crossley, M., Shiel, A., WILSON, B.A., Coleman, M.R., Gelling, L., Fryer, T., Boniface, S. & Pickard, J.
Reference:
Brain Injury, 19(9), 729-37
Year of publication:
2005
CBU number:
6066
Abstract:
This case study describes a multidisciplinary investigation of the emergence from coma of an 80-year old female (KE) following severe traumatic brain injury. The relationship between cognitive / behavioral ability and the integrity of cerebral function was assessed using neuropsychological measures, positron emission tomography, electroencephalography, somatosensory evoked potentials and transcranial magnetic stimulation. These investigations were performed as KE was beginning to emerge from coma (4 wks), and again, approximately one year following brain injury, when she was judged to have achieved her maximum level of recovery. Neuropsychological measures revealed improvement during the first year post-injury in KEís speed of information processing, memory, and executive abilities. Electrophysiological and metabolic studies indicated a restoration of functional integrity that was consistent with the gradual recovery in higher brain function documented using behavioral procedures. This case study demonstrates the rehabilitation potential of premorbidly healthy older adults following severe traumatic brain injury.
