What is the scale used to measure the agitation in patient with TBI?

Traumatic brain injury

Tools to effectively measure outcome are needed to quantify results. Outcome measures can be used to assess the effectiveness of different treatments.

Three tools commonly used to measure outcome after TBI are the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) (Keith, 1987), Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) (Jennett, 1975), and the Disability Rating Scale (DRS).

The FIM is one of the most widely used measures of function in rehabilitation (Table 3). It is an 18-item scale used to assess the patient's level of dependence for mobility, self-care, and cognition. However, it may lack the sensitivity in patients with low or high levels of function. The FIM is used to assess the level of independence for mobility, self-care, and cognition. These relatively high levels of functioning are often spared in low-level TBIs; therefore, the FIM score is an inadequate outcome measure for patients with high function.

Table 3. FIM Instrument

Clinical Area
Self-care A. Eating
B. Grooming
C. Bathing
D. Dressing - upper body
E. Dressing - lower body
F. Toileting
Sphincter control G. Bladder management
H. Bowel management
Transfers I. Bed, chair, wheelchair
J. Toilet
K. Tub, shower
Locomotion L. Walking, wheelchair
M. Stairs
Motor subtotal score:

Communication N. comprehension
O. Expression
Social interaction P. Expression
Q. Problem solving
R. Memory
Cognitive subtotal score:

TOTAL FIM SCORE:

Source鈥擪eith et al, 1987.

The GOS (Jennett, 1975) is a scoring system commonly used to rate outcomes after TBI (Table 4).

Table 4. Disability Rating Scale

Score Rating Definition
1 Dead Nonsurvival
2 Persistent vegetative Minimal responsiveness
3 Severe disability Conscious but disabled; dependent on others for daily support
4 Moderate disability Disabled but independent; can work in sheltered setting
5 Good recovery Resumption of normal life despite minor deficits


Source鈥擩ennett and Bond, 1975.

The DRS is intended to accurately measure general functional changes over the course of recovery after TBI, where a score of 0 indicates no disability and 29 indicates an extreme vegetative state (Rappaport, 1982). The DRS includes 8 items, such as the GCS score, disability, and return-to-work measures