Review of clinical trials on the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation in patients with traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can impact patients' cognitive functioning and quality of life. This study assesses the effectiveness of cognitive interventions in TBI patients and examines factors influencing their success, aiming to enhance care and customize treatments for optimal rehabilitation outcomes. Methods: a systematic review of 31 scientific articles evaluating the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation in patients with traumatic brain injuries was conducted, following the PRISMA workflow. The studies covered the period from 2017 to 2021, and specific terms were used to search the PubMed and Scopus databases. Results: the research on cognitive interventions in patients with traumatic brain injuries has involved various countries, with notable contributions from the United States, Norway, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Cognitive training has proven to be effective, showing significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life. Other therapies, such as transcranial direct stimulation and vocational rehabilitation, have also been investigated. Conclusions: cognitive training has proven to be an effective technique in managing traumatic brain injuries, demonstrating significant improvements in composite cognitive measures and patients' quality of life. Some therapies, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, have shown promising results in treating symptoms such as post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety in patients with traumatic brain injuries.