THE NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST'S ROLE IN THE TREATMENT OF BRAIN INJURIES

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Neuropsychology is a leading branch of brain science aims at understanding the relations between brain processes and mechanisms on one hand, and cognition and behavioral control on the other.

It plays a critical role in rehabilitation as many medical problems may improve shortly after brain injuries yet cognitive and emotional changes can continue to interfere with activities.

After a brain injury, many important skills like memory, critical thinking and judgment can be affected. Every brain injury is different and can result in a range of symptoms that have a unique impact on the individual and their family.


What is a brain injury?

A brain injury or 'Traumatic Brain Injury' can be defined as the damage to living brain tissue that is initially caused by external mechanical forces.

Whatever the cause, a brain injury can result in an impairment of cognitive abilities or physical functioning and also in the disturbance of behavioral or emotional functioning.

The important role our brain plays in all areas of functioning, and our lives, comes into sharp relief when there is an injury to the brain.

A brain injury can cause a wide range of short- or long-term functional changes affecting:
  • ·    Thinking (i.e., memory and reasoning)
  • ·    Sensation (i.e., sight and balance)
  • ·    Language (i.e., communication, expression, and understanding)
  • ·    Emotion (i.e., depression, anxiety, personality changes, aggression, acting out, and social inappropriateness)


Role of Neuropsychologist in Brain Injury Treatment

A Neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist with expertise in how behavior and skills are related to brain structures and systems. Neuropsychologists guide the ongoing assessment of each patient's progress, making sure each team member keeps the whole person in mind.

Understanding how the brain influences our cognitive functions and behaviors after a severe traumatic injury falls upon the shoulders of neuropsychologists.

The therapeutic approach addresses each individual's unique clinical picture by pinpointing their specific physical, cognitive, and behavioral challenges, as well as other aspects of the clinical picture that may complicate treatment efforts.

A Neuropsychologist uses a series of tests to assess various areas of cognition and behavior, such as memory, attention, learning, processing speed and abstract reasoning.  This information is linked back to brain structures, to provide information regarding the impact of any identified areas of difficulty on a person's day to day functioning. 

The ultimate goal of the Neuropsychologist is to get the best possible picture of the patient's current functioning. Several challenges can interfere with this goal if the patient is:
  • ·    Excessively tired or fatigued or has sudden, unexpected "sleep attacks";
  • ·    Not motivated to put forth their best effort;
  • ·    Very emotionally distraught or has a severe psychiatric condition;
  • ·   Under the influence of medications or illicit substances which interfere with cognitive functioning.
  • ·   Experiencing frequent changes in the ability to move.

Neuropsychologists focus on the patient's strengths, weaknesses, interests, occupation, hobbies, and personality to design a customized treatment plan that takes the real person into account. Neuropsychologists fine tune and adjust the treatment plans as time goes on to maximize treatment so that the person can thrive in the real world.


AVA Rehabilitation center, a future center of excellence, provides comprehensive patient-centered,neuro-rehabilitation care for persons who suffered the stroke, brain, and spinal injuries.

#Stroke Rehabilitation Centers in Cochin #Stroke Rehabilitation Centers inCochinKerala #Stroke Rehabilitation Centers in Ernakulam #Stroke RehabilitationCenters in Kerala #Stroke Treatment In Ernakulam #StrokeTreatment In Ernakulam Kerala #Brain injury management in Cochin Kerala #Spinalcord injury rehabilitation in Ernakulam Kerala #Stroke Rehabilitation Centers in Cochin Kerala

Location: Kochi, Kerala, India

Comments

  1. Glazy22 January 2020 at 22:04

    Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is one of the best treatment for brain injury patients. It help to recover faster. Thanks for sharing
    Shai Efrati

    ReplyDelete

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