Pitt study underscores chance for independence after severe brain injury
TribLIVE.com • • health
Key Points:
- A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that about 38% of severe traumatic brain injury patients who required around-the-clock care three months after injury achieved partial independence within two years with continued treatment.
- The research challenges the common practice of withdrawing life support early, as some patients show significant recovery even one to two years post-injury, suggesting many may have been prematurely given up on.
- Decisions about life support are often made within days of injury, despite the full extent of recovery potential sometimes taking months or years to manifest, prompting calls for more cautious clinical decision-making.
- The study highlights the psychological and financial challenges families face during prolonged recovery but warns against underestimating patients' quality of life and emphasizes the need to understand long
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