Predicting outcome in the slow to respond traumatically brain-injured patient: Acute and subacute parameters

Abstract

Prognostication of recovery in the slow to respond patient is difficult at best. Acute and subacute parameters have been employed to predict mortality. Variables have been identified that assist in prognostication of mortality and broadly categorized functional outcome. However, few studies have looked at specific functional outcome parameters. This review will attempt to describe and discuss the acute and subacute parameters most pertinent to the slow to respond patient.