A prediction model for recovery or mortality after brain injury must be quick and simple enough to use without special training.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability.1,2 As a result of TBI, 1.5 million persons die every year3 and nearly 2% of the world population has a long-term or lifelong need for help in performing activities of daily living.4 A patient’s condition during the first few weeks after a TBI is extremely unstable and life-threatening. During such critical periods, accurate neurological assessment is essential for predicting recovery. Many researchers have evaluated various clinical variables as prognostic indicators.5,–10 

For critical care nurses, data from neurological assessments are particularly important, both for evaluating the severity of TBIs and for planning the short-term management and early rehabilitation of patients with TBI. The care team and the families of...

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