Najenson, T., Sazbon, L., Fizelson, J., Becker, E., &
Schechter, I. (1978). Recovery of communicative functions
after prolonged traumatic coma. Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation
Medicine, 10, 15-21.
Type
of
Study |
Longitudinal
research study |
| Subjects |
15
patients with prolonged coma after craniocerebral injury;
9 males; 6 females; 19-61 years old at the time of injury |
| Diagnoses |
13
suffered blunt trauma; 2 depressed fractures |
Speech
Condition |
6
remained in vegetative state
8 of 9 remained dysarthric
3 remained aphasic |
| Purpose |
To
determine which communication skills may be the most critical
in determining quality of survival after prolonged traumatic
coma. |
| Methods |
The
patients underwent weekly neurologic exams and communication
skills evaluations. Communication skills were divided
into 6 categories: auditory comprehension, visual
comprehension, speech, oral expression, reading, and writing. |
| Results |
6
remained in a vegetative state
9 experienced notable recovery
6 of the 9 showed complete recovery of semantic functions,
3 remained aphasic
Communicative recovery paralleled improvement in ADL and
motor skills
Positive outcome depended on observation of sweating and
restlessness
Less favorable outcomes depended on observation of excessive
salivation, snout reflex, retractory nystagmus, and stereotypic
movements |
Treatment
Implications |
Possible
predictors of favorable and unfavorable communication
outcomes can be monitored throughout recovery. |
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