Tests and scans
Some of these tests may be done very soon after admission to hospital as the doctors need to rapidly assess the danger of the brain injury worsening.
Read morePhysicians look at several indicators to predict the level of a patient’s recovery during the first few weeks and months after injury:
Severity of injuries to other body systems sustained at the time of the TBIPrecise predictions are difficult with TBI, but some generalizations can be made:
The length of time a patient spends in a coma correlates to both post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) and recovery times:
Individuals in PTA are partially or fully awake, but are confused about the day and time, where they are, what is happening, possibly who they are and they will have problems with memory.
Length of PTA is frequently used as a guide to the severity of brain injury. A commonly used interpretation of the scale involves the following:
Severity Category | Mild | Moderate | Severe | Very severe |
Initial GCS | 12-15 | 9-11 | 3-8 | <1 |
Duration of PTA | < 24 hours | 1-7 days | 1-4 weeks | > 4 weeks |
A general finding is that if the PTA stage lasts for more than one week, ongoing cognitive problems can be expected.
It is important for the person and the family to be optimistic but realistic about recovery and to develop a better understanding of what is or isn’t possible. Some families with a loved one in hospital have likened this to hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.
You can download a PDF version to print and use as required.
Level 1 – No Response: Person appears to be in a deep sleep.
Level 2 – Generalized Response: Person reacts inconsistently and not directly in response to stimuli.
Level 3 – Localized Response: Person reacts inconsistently and directly to stimuli.
Level 4 – Confused/Agitated: Person is extremely agitated and confused.
Level 5 – Confused-Inappropriate/Non-agitated: Person is confused and responses to commands are inaccurate.
Level 6 – Confused-Appropriate: Person is confused and responds accurately to commands.
Level 7 – Automatic-Appropriate: Person can go through daily routine with minimal to no confusion.
Level 8 – Purposeful-Appropriate: Person has functioning memory, and is aware of and responsive to their environment.
Level 9 – Purposeful-Appropriate: Person can go through daily routine while aware of need for stand by assistance.
Level 10 – Purposeful-Appropriate/Modified Independent: Person can go through daily routine but may require more time or compensatory strategies.
The level of stroke severity as measured by the NIH stroke scale scoring system:
Calculates the NIH Stroke Scale for quantifying stroke severity.
You can read more about this system at https://www.mdcalc.com/nih-stroke-scale-score-nihss
Some of these tests may be done very soon after admission to hospital as the doctors need to rapidly assess the danger of the brain injury worsening.
Read morePredictions of recovery are difficult in the months following a brain injury.
Read more