THE BENEFIT OF REHABILITATION IN TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY - A LITERATURE-REVIEW

The efficacy and cost effectiveness of rehabilitation is being closely scrutinized, and demand for cost containment and outcome accountabili ty will most likely increase. Clinically, it has long been believed th at timely and appropriate rehabilitation leads to improved functional recovery in brain-injured individuals. Scientifically, however, contro lled studies supporting this belief have been difficult to achieve. Re cent credible studies on the benefit of rehabilitation include methods that compare outcomes of patients given rehabilitation versus those n ot given rehabilitation, different intensities or types of rehabilitat ion, pre-versus posttreatment abilities In a nonacute population, and early versus late initiation of rehabilitation in matched groups. Thes e studies are reviewed, with commentary on future directions of rehabi litation research.