Life expectancy for TBI

    
      Re: Life expectancy for TBI
    


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Neurology Forum ] [ FAQ ]



Posted by CCF NEURO MD on June 09, 1997 at 11:05:00:

In Reply to: Life expectancy for TBI posted by Patricia Osborne on June 01, 1997 at 00:47:29:

: I have a 27 year son with a tramatic brain injury due from a car accident,almost 8 years ago.  He lives in a nursing home, I visit him everyday.He is a level 3 on the ranchos scale.  He is slowly progressing.  Dec. the 3rd he spoke a whole sentence and a couple words after that.  Great Responses!  Since that he as said answered to yes and no questions about 3 times! He smiles,turnes his head to me when I speak to him and loves funny jokes.  He will laugh out loud if it is funny enough. He watches T.V. and will listen to music. He has some contractures and has spasticity in his left arm. I take him out of the nursing and bring him home or to his Aunt's house as much as I can.  We work with him everyday,talk, exercise and stimulate him in every way possible. He is tube-fed.  My question is how long can a person live like this, on tube-feeding.  His health is really good.  No breathing problems,no skin break-downs , but can't swollow. Any information that might give me anything else we can do would be greatly appreciated.  I still have great hope for my son!  Thank you very much. Patricia Osborne
==============================================================
I also wanted to suggest that a physiatrist/Rehabilitation physician may best to follow you son over the long term along with his general medical doctor.  They would be able to suggest any addition treatment options or supplemental care he may need ie: home care, therapy etc.
If you would like to see someone at the Cleveland Clinic in the specialty of Rehabilitation, call 1-800-223-2273 ext-57342.