Rehabilitation in primary and metastatic brain tumours : Impact of functional outcomes on survival.

J Neurol. 2008 May 30; [Epub ahead of print] Related Articles


Tang V, Rathbone M, Park Dorsay J, Jiang S, Harvey D.

Division of Neurology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.

OBJECTIVE : Patients with brain tumours have major disabilities and guarded prognosis but may benefit from inpatient rehabilitation. The objectives were to compare functional outcomes in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), brain metastases and other brain tumours, and to determine predictors of survival. METHODS : Demographic, clinical, functional, and survival data were collected for 63 patients.Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression were used for survival analyses. RESULTS : Functional Independence Measure (FIMtrade mark) scores improved from admission to discharge for patients with GBM, brain metastases and other tumours. Estimated median survival was 141 days for brain metastases, 214 days for GBM and 439 days for other tumours. Low admission dexamethasone dose and high FIMtrade mark gain predicted better survival in GBM. For brain metastases, high FIMtrade mark gain, low dexamethasone dose and no organ metastases were positive prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS : Patients with primary and metastatic brain tumours achieved functional gains after rehabilitation. High functional improvement is a significant predictor of longer survival in brain metastases and GBM. This study has implications for rehabilitation in the post-acute management of patients who have disabilities due to brain tumours.

PMID: 18500499 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Posted by Crush at 6/04/2008 04:25:00 PM  

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Buzz Apparel - Support Brain Tumor Research

Fox Valley Brain Tumor Coalition - Journey of Hope Walk

The Journey of Hope is our major fundraiser of the year, allowing us to raise most of the funds that we need to survive. This event is critical to the success of this group, so we hope you can join us!

With over 750 walkers, the Fox Valley Brain Tumor Coalition puts on a great party the Saturday after Labor Day every year. The non-competitive walk is held on the grounds of NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin. Our paved ½ mile trail is short enough for nearly everyone to make at least one lap around, and is accessible to wheelchairs! For those who like more of a challenge, we encourage as many laps as you are able to do!

The day is a celebration of those fighting brain tumors and remembering those who have lost their battle. The walk starts with a ceremony at the Tree of Hope, with testimonials from those most affected by this disease, as well as a dedication from neurosurgeon Thomas Wascher MD, one of our biggest supporters.

Once you have built up your appetite from the walk, come in to our party tent for a great home-cooked picnic. We have fresh roasted corn-on-the-cob, hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and sweets! Vegetarian selections are available for those with restricted diets.

A huge silent auction, kids games, music, pictures and more makes this party fun for everyone!

As always, dogs are welcome, but should always be on a leash…we will provide water for our four legged friends!

Your registration cost of $10 (yes still only $10 after all these years!!!) includes a great t-shirt with all of our corporate sponsors proudly displayed, lunch and all the fun you can handle!

New this year is our online registration and personal web page, making it easier for your family and friends to support your efforts.

My Team