Outcome after severe brain damage, what makes the difference?

Objective: To assess and compare the consequences for outcome in terms of the dimensions of activity and participation for two groups: group A, which received early formalized rehabilitation, and group B, which received late or no formalized rehabilitation. Research design: A cross-sectional study. Procedure: Twenty-six patients (A: n = 14 and B: n = 12) with severe brain damage were included. The participants were assessed a mean of 26.6 months (SD 7.1, median 25, range 14–41) after the incident using the structured form for the Swedish Neuro database, the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Results: The study reveals a better outcome for group A. No patient remained in a vegetative state in group A as compared with three in group B. In group A, 50% were independent as compared with 17% in group B. The frequency of return to work was 43% in group A, but no patient in group B had returned to work.