Epidemiology and recovery of critical traumatic brain injury patients

• Grant number: 21/06325-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2021
• End date: July 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Wellingson Silva Paiva
• Grantee: Rubén David dos Reis Zuniga
• Host Institution: Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP (HCFMUSP). Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the largest global contributor to death and disability among all types of injuries associated with external causes. Worldwide, an average of 69 million people is affected annually by a TBI, mainly by falls and traffic accidents. In Brazil, following a trend found in other Latin American countries, TCE is one of the main causes of trauma among young males. After TBI, patients can develop functional dependence that compromises their daily life activity, social reintegration, and quality of life. Among the scales applied to TBI patients, the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale and the Disability Rating Scale classify the functional neurological outcome of patients into specific levels, aiming to contribute to greater accuracy in patient follow-up and rehabilitation. Critical TBI patients have severity values assessed by the Glasgow Coma Scale from 3 to 5, have high mortality and the worst outcomes, raising questions about the need for early aggressive treatment. Therefore, precisely because of the pessimistic prognosis, it is essential to study patients with critical TBI. Thus, through the application of specific instruments, the aim of this study is to verify the epidemiology and recovery of critical TBI and to correlate the clinical status with the functional neurological outcome at hospital discharge and at least one year after the trauma to assist in the construction more accurate preventive measures, treatment and rehabilitation prospects. (AU)