Abstract:
This study examines and describes the functional status of persons surviving a severe penetrating head injury, resulting from a gunshot wound (GSW), who require inpatient rehabilitation. Data was collected prospectively at four different time periods: rehabilitation admission and discharge, year 1and year 2 post-injury. Twenty-seven persons were enrolled in the study. Follow-up data were available at years 1 and 2 post-injury for 16 of these study participants. Results indicated functional improvements on the Disability Rating Scale and Functional Independence Measure from rehabilitation admission to discharge. Follow-up data revealed continued improvements on these measures with the greatest improvement in recovery occurring during the first year post-injury.