NeuroRehabilitation - Volume 24, issue 4

Authors: Wilson, F. Colin | Wheatley-Smith, Laura | Downes, Ciara

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: To analyse the functional outcomes of adults following acquired brain injury attending an intensive outpatient neuro-rehabilitation programme relative to a comprehensive TBI day programme service in the United States. Method: Design: Retrospective audit of all admissions over a two-year period (2001–2003) to an outpatient neuro-rehabilitation service utilising an interdisciplinary team model. Setting: Outpatient neuro-rehabilitation service. Participants: 89 patients in receipt of 2+ therapies attending for intensive day neuro-rehabilitation programme. Main Outcome Measures: Routine FIM+FAMUK scores were compiled on admission and discharge. The FIM+FAMUK is a widely employed outcome measure …of activity and participation comprising 30 items across a range of domains including self care, domestic skills, mobility, communication, cognitive and social abilities. The scale is divided into two broad domains of functioning (motor and cognitive). Data Analysis: Descriptive analysis of demographic, patient diagnosis, referral patterns and time since injury to attendance was undertaken. Analysis of FIM+FAMUK admission and discharge scores was performed. Results: Complete admission and discharge scores were available for 65 patients. Significant mean improvements in motor (12.0 point change), cognitive (7.3 point change) and composite FIM+FAMUK (19.3 point change) scores were observed indicating reduced functional dependence following an intensive period of outpatient neuro-rehabilitation. Conclusion: The FIM+FAMUK measure demonstrated sensitivity to change across functional domains relevant to goal directed intensive outpatient interdisciplinary neuro-rehabilitation. Show more

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2009-0492

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 377-382, 2009

Authors: Hassan-Zadeh, Roghiyeh | Lajevardi, Laleh | Esfahani, Ahmadreza Roofigari | Kamali, Mohammad

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Purpose: The results of nerve repair in adults are often poor. The study aim was to investigate the effect of repeated sessions of cutaneous forearm anaesthesia of the injured limb, in combination with sensory re-education on the recovery of the tactile discrimination and perception of touch/pressure in the injured hand after median or ulnar nerve repair. Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial was designed. During a 2-week period, a topical anaesthetic cream (Lidocaine-PTC, n = 6) or placebo (n = 7) was applied repeatedly (twice a week) with occlusive bandage for 1 hour on the …flexor aspect of the forearm of the same side of the nerve injury and combined with sensory re-education. Assessments of sensory function were performed prior to the experiment and after the fourth application of Lidocaine-PTC/placebo. The patients were evaluated again 4 weeks after the last Lidocaine-PTC/placebo session. Results: Touch perception measured with Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments (SWM), improved significantly in the Lidocaine-PTC group (p = 0.005). In placebo group, no significant changes were seen. Two-point discrimination improved significantly only in the Lidocaine-PTC group (p = 0.005). Conclusion: This finding suggests that forearm deafferentation of injured limb in combination with sensory re-education can enhance sensory recovery after nerve repair. Show more

Keywords: Nerve repair, anaesthesia, sensory re-education, hand function

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2009-0493

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 383-386, 2009

Article Type: Correction

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2009-0501

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 387-387, 2009