Functional Capacity and Quality of Life after Traumatic Brain Injury: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence

Vikram Singh Deora; Kumarasamy AP; Mamta Verma; Mukesh Kumar.G

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.82093

Functional Capacity and Quality of Life after Traumatic Brain Injury: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence

Author(s)	Mr. Vikram Singh Deora, Mr. Kumarasamy AP, Dr. Mamta Verma, Mr. Mukesh Kumar.G
Country	India
Abstract	ABSTRACT Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of mortality, disability, and long-term psychosocial impairment worldwide. Although advances in acute medical and neurosurgical management have improved survival rates, many survivors continue to experience persistent physical, cognitive, emotional, and social difficulties that negatively affect functional independence and quality of life. This narrative review aims to summarize current evidence regarding functional recovery and quality of life after traumatic brain injury and to identify major biological, psychological, and social factors influencing long-term outcomes. Methods A narrative review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2010 and 2025 was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, ONOS and Google Scholar. Studies evaluating functional outcomes, rehabilitation effectiveness, psychosocial adaptation, and quality of life after traumatic brain injury were included. Longitudinal cohort studies, observational studies, rehabilitation studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses involving adult TBI populations were reviewed. The evidence was synthesized under two major domains: functional outcomes and quality-of-life outcomes. Results The reviewed evidence demonstrated that recovery after traumatic brain injury is prolonged, multifactorial, and highly individualized. Functional independence generally improved over time, particularly among individuals receiving structured comprehensive rehabilitation. Better outcomes were associated with younger age, lower injury severity, higher Glasgow Coma Scale scores, better cognitive functioning, early rehabilitation initiation, family support, and successful vocational reintegration. However, persistent cognitive deficits, emotional disturbances, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and reduced social participation remained major barriers to complete recovery. Health-related quality of life was strongly associated with emotional well-being, psychosocial adaptation, community participation, and functional independence. Conclusion Traumatic brain injury significantly affects long-term functional capacity and quality of life. Comprehensive rehabilitation, long-term follow-up, psychosocial support, and patient-centered outcome assessment remain essential for improving long-term recovery and overall well-being among TBI survivors. Additional multicenter longitudinal studies using standardized outcome measures are needed to improve understanding of long-term recovery trajectories.
Keywords	Traumatic brain injury, Functional recovery, Functional outcome, Health-related quality of life
Field	Medical / Pharmacy
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On	2026-06-23
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.82093

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Functional Capacity and Quality of Life after Traumatic Brain Injury: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence

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