Affiliations: Biochem. and Exptl. Division, II. Dept. of Surgery,
University of Cologne | Neurosurgical Clinical, Cologne-Merheim | II. Department of Surgery, University of Cologne
Note: [] Correspondence to: E. Berger, Biochem. & Exptl. Division,
II. Dept. of Surgery, University of Cologne, Ostmerheimer Str. 200, D-51109
Cologne, Germany; Phone: +49-221-98957-13; Fax: +49-221-893864; E-mail:
[email protected]
Abstract: In modern industrial countries traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a
common sequel after different kinds of accidents especially amongst young male
adults. Apart from medical and economic consequences Quality of Life (QoL)
after TBI becomes increasingly important in outcome assessment. Besides the
classical domains of QoL (physical, psychological, social) cognitive
impairments are playing an important role especially for TBI patients. In 1991
the Meran conference set important standards and formulated basic guidelines
for defining and measuring QoL in surgery, but a special index for TBI patients
has not yet been developed. Instead, QoL research concentrates on physical,
medical, psychological and social problems only. Based on the existing QoL
concept extended by the cognitive aspect it was the aim of this review to give
an overview about the recent QoL research in TBI patients since 1991. Sixteen
studies in TBI patients mentioning at least 2 domains of QoL (physical,
psychological, social, cognitive) were published since 1991. Five of them
considered all 4 domains of QoL. All studies except of one dealt with
psychological and social problems. Only half of the studies considered
cognitive impairments. Four studies tried to define QoL, but none of them
included the cognitive component. There was no consensus regarding the
definition and the choice of measurement instrument for QoL after TBI. This
review of 16 studies considering outcome and QoL after TBI confirms that a
homogenous and clinically relevant QoL concept for this group of patients is
still missing. Further research in TBI patients should include all 4 domains of
QoL.
Keywords: Brain injuries, quality of life, head injury
