Outcome measures for patients with head injuries: Report of the outcome measures subcommittee

The Outcome Measures Subcommittee of the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke (NIH/NINDS) Head Injury Centers recommended a research battery for following patients with head injuries from the early stages of recovery through rehabilitation. The battery includes measures of orientation and posttraumatic amnesia (PTA); measures of cognitive, motor, and neurobehavioral impairment; and measures of disability and handicap. Structured interviews are employed to assess preinjury status and the patient's status at each assessment point as seen by the patient and by a significant other. Assessment as a function of severity of head injury and primary language, end points for assessment, quality control and data management, retention of patients, and the role of the neuropsychology technician are discussed.