The direction and methods of brain
rehabilitation typically is defined by the neuropsychological
symptoms identified following brain injury.
While practice in various cognitive tasks--doing arithmetic
problems, solving logic puzzles,
practicing concentration skills, or
reading--may help brain rehabilitation, this is usually not
enough.
Brain injury rehabilitation must be designed taking into account
a broad range of neurofunctional strengths and weaknesses. Basic
skills must be strengthened before more complex skills are added.
Only through comprehensive neuropsychological analysis can the many
possible effects of brain injury be sorted out. This pattern of
functional strengths and weaknesses becomes the foundation for
designing a program of brain
rehabilitation.
Brain recovery follows patterns of brain development. Gross or
large-scale systems must develop (or be retrained) before fine
systems. Attention, focus, and perceptual skills develop (or are
retrained) before complex intellectual activity can be successful.
Excellent print resources in brain injury rehabilitation include
the following:
Principles of Neuropsychological Rehabilitation by George P.
Prigatano offers guiding principles clinicians can use to create an
effective rehabilitation program.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Therapy and Resource Manual by
Betsy S. Green and others offers many resources for therapy
professionals.
Search "Brain Injury Rehabilitation" at www.amazon.com
for additional resources
Internet resources include the following:
The National
Institute of Health offers a consensus statement on
Rehabilitation of Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury that is very
comprehensive. It provides a thorough review of acceptable practices
in treating persons with brain injury.
The Traumatic Brain Injury Model
Systems is a consortium of research and treating institutions.
Their website offers a wealth of information about rehabilitation.
The Brain Injury Association
offers information, publications, and further links to resources
about brain rehabilitation.
The Neuro-Developmental Treatment
Association provides information about this therapeutic
technique--known as NDT--that emphasizes rehabilitation that follows
normal biological neurodevelopment.
The Transitional Learning
Center in Galveston has been a pioneer in brain injury rehabilitation
since 1982. TLC provides survivors of brain injury with the special
rehabilitation services needed to re-enter the community. TLC's website
offers numerous informational resources.
