*3.1. Sample Characteristics*

A total of 96 patients were included. See Figure 1 for an overview of the exclusion and inclusion process.

**Figure 1.** Flow chart of the inclusion and exclusion process. From a sample of 187 eligible patients, 103 participants (55%) consented to participate, and 96 ended up with a complete dataset.

The average age was 45.3 (SD = 13.9), with a mean educational attainment of 13.5 years (SD = 2.3). The sample consisted of 77 (80.2%) males and 19 (19.8%) females.

On the ASA-PS, 69 patients (71.9%) were classified as healthy prior to injury, 19 (19.8%) as having moderate organic disease not impairing function, and eight patients (8.3%) as having severe organic disease.

The sample mean of GCS registered at injury site or at admission to the hospital pre-intubation was 10.7 (SD = 3.6), while GCS registered upon discharge from the acute hospital was 14.4 (SD = 0.9). The sample mean Rotterdam CT score was 2.8 (SD = 0.9). Using the dichotomized AIS\_head classification, 18 patients (18.8%) were classified within the less severe category, and 78 (81.3%) within the very severe category. Upon discharge from the acute hospital, GOS ratings based on medical records classified 39 patients (40.6%) with moderate disability, 56 (58.3%) with severe disability, and one patient (1.1%) as being in a vegetative state.

Fifteen patients (15.6%) were discharged directly to their homes, 32 (33.3%) to a local hospital, and 49 (51%) were referred to a rehabilitation unit.

The study assessment was conducted on average 205 days (SD = 28) since injury.
