Spinal epidural abscess: study of early outcome.

Objective: To evaluate the course, complications, and outcomes of individuals with spinal epidural abscess (SEA) and to compare these factors in individuals who had sustained a traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI).

Method: This is a retrospective study evaluating risk factors, functional change, and neuromedical complications. Thirty-two adults with SEA, treated on a rehabilitation unit at an urban university medical center, were compared with 32 individuals with TSCI.

Blunt versus penetrating violent traumatic brain injury: frequency and factors associated with secondary conditions and complications.

Objective: To compare types and frequency of medical complications and comorbidities associated with violence-related penetrating traumatic brain injury (TBI) as compared to violence-related blunt TBI.

Method: Data were collected prospectively at four medical centers participating in the TBI Model Systems (TBIMS) of Care project. A total of 317 individuals met the inclusion criteria for the TBIMS (i.

Violent traumatic brain injury: occurrence, patient characteristics, and risk factors from the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems project.

Objectives: To examine the occurrence of and characteristics associated with violent traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS) project for 4 of the 5 original Model Systems centers and to determine the patient characteristics of this group, as well as the risk factors for sustaining such an injury.

Design: Prospective evaluation of individuals with violent TBI over a 10-year period.

Setting: Four TBIMS centers.