A new assessment framework for traumatic brain injury (TBI) aims to provide a more accurate prognosis and improve recovery time. Developed by Dr. Cathra Halabi, director of UCSF’s Neurorecovery Clinic, the framework focuses on gathering detailed medical and social histories of patients. This information helps identify factors that may affect recovery, such as age, sex, concussion history, headaches, or mental health problems.
The new framework is designed to support clinicians in outpatient settings, providing more precise care for patients. It will also enhance clinical trials by allowing for better patient selection and the discovery of new effective treatments.
Under the current system, Dr. Halabi often receives incomplete information about patient injuries, such as “bicycle accident with mild TBI.” The new framework aims to provide a detailed description, including symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic results. This will enable clinicians to tailor care and monitor for potential complications, like sleep impairments or endocrine dysfunction.
The framework’s goal is to recognize that every patient with a TBI is unique, and thorough assessment is crucial for effective recovery. By collecting more information, clinicians can better serve patients and improve outcomes.
Source: https://www.kqed.org/science/1996927/evaluation-traumatic-brain-injuries-gets-first-overhaul-50-years