The effect of traumatic brain injury on the health of homeless people

Abstract

"Our study’s findings underscore the need for clinicians to routinely ask patients who are homeless about a history of traumatic brain injury. Given the apparent dose–response relation between injury severity and current health, clinicians should assess injury severity based on information such as self-reported duration of unconsciousness, admission to hospital after the injury, collateral history and medical records. For people with a history of traumatic brain injury, brief neuropsychological screening can provide valuable information on cognitive function. People with moderate or severe cognitive impairment may be eligible for disability benefits. Referral to rehabilitaton and other appropriate community services should be considered, as recent studies have shown that rehabilitation interventions improve community integration and other outcomes among people with traumatic brain injury.34 Moreover, appropriate living environments are fundamental to community integration and are particularly important for people with more severe injuries.35 Treatment of concurrent alcohol or substance abuse should also be considered."