Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
2000
Thesis Director
Brenda M. Wilson
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of disability in the world. This was a descriptive study implemented through a survey which gathered information on epidemiology, demographics, service delivery, and the role of the SLP in countries outside the United States. Contact persons were notified and asked to distribute surveys to health care professionals who work with TBI. The survey was completed by 14 individuals in 5 different countries. Countries included Brazil, Israel, Italy, South Africa, and United States.
Compelation of this information revealed that there was a large variety of answers both within and between countries. There was no common definition given for TBI across countries, and few countries had access to national epidemiological information. Etiologies of sports related injuries resulting in TBI varied across countries. Demographic data across countries showed that males aged 14-24 were at the highest risk for obtaining a TBI. Additional factors associated with TBI in the various countries were identified. Results on service delivery for TBI revealed that various measurements and categorizations for TBI were used across countries. Team members involved in patient care also varied. The speech-language pathologist's role was also different among countries.
Recommended Citation
Wesley, Erin S., "An International View of Traumatic Brain Injury" (2000). Masters Theses. 1472.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/1472
