Assessing the Effectiveness of Cognitive Rehabilitation for Survivors of Traumatic Brain Injury in Neurological Units in Lagos

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a structured cognitive rehabilitation programme for survivors of traumatic brain injury receiving treatment in neurological units at Lagos University Teaching Hospital and Lagos Island General Hospital, South West Nigeria. Traumatic brain injury, primarily resulting from road traffic accidents, is a significant cause of acquired cognitive disability in Nigeria, yet specialised cognitive rehabilitation services within the public health system remain scarce. This research employed a single-group repeated-measures design involving 72 adult survivors aged 18 to 50 years with mild to moderate traumatic brain injury. A 12-week, individually tailored cognitive rehabilitation programme addressed memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function using compensatory and restitutive techniques. Cognitive performance was assessed at baseline, six weeks, and programme completion using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and the Cognistat Neurobehavioural Cognitive Status Examination. Results demonstrate significant improvements in attention, memory, and executive function from baseline to programme completion. Gains were maintained at a 6-week follow-up assessment. Younger participants and those with mild injuries showed faster recovery trajectories. The study provides evidence supporting the integration of cognitive rehabilitation into traumatic brain injury management protocols in Nigerian tertiary hospitals and recommends workforce development investments to expand neuropsychological rehabilitation capacity. Keywords: cognitive rehabilitation, traumatic brain injury, neurological recovery, Lagos State, executive function.