Longitudinal follow-up of patients with traumatic brain injury: Outcome at 2, 5, and 10-years post-injury

And where the hell are the 2, 5, and 10 year followups for stroke?
Our stroke associations should have been doing this for the past 20 years.
http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/neu.2013.2997
Abstract Introduction: The deleterious consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI) impair capacity to return to many avenues of premorbid life. However, there has been limited longitudinal research examining outcome beyond five years post-injury. The aim of this study was to examine aspects of function, previously shown to be affected following TBI, over a span of 10 years. Materials and Methods: One hundred and forty one patients with TBI were assessed at two, five, and 10 years post-injury using the Structured Outcome Questionnaire. Results: Fatigue and balance problems were the most common neurological symptoms, with reported rates decreasing only slightly over the 10-year period. Mobility outcomes were good in over 75 percent, with few participants requiring aids for mobility. Changes in cognitive, communication, behavioral and emotional functions were reported by approximately 60% of the sample at all time-points. Levels of independence in activities of daily living were high over the 10-year period, and up to 70 percent return to driving. Nevertheless, approximately 40% required more support than before their injury. Only half of the sample returned to previous leisure activities and less than half were employed at each assessment time post-injury. Whilst marital status remained surprisingly stable over time, approximately 30% reported difficulties in personal relationships. Older age at injury did not substantially alter the pattern of changes over time, except in employment. Conclusions: Overall, problems that were evident at 2 years post-injury persisted until 10 years post-injury. The importance of these findings is discussed with reference to rehabilitation programs. Keywords: traumatic brain injury, functional outcome, structured outcome questionnaire