Neurological Rehabilitation and Assessment of Cognitive Functioning Flashcards
What is post traumatic amnesia?
Period of recovery following traumatic brain injury
What is anterograde amnesia?
Inability to remember new events/experience occurred after brain injury
Define disorientation?
Unable to locate themselves in time and place
What areas should be tested during a clinical interview?
Memory Language Processing speed Attention/concentration Executive functioning Personality Insight Visual spatial
Name some assessment considerations
Language barrier Eyesight/hearing Fatigue Confusion/delirium Environmental factors Anxiety
Define impairment
Any loss or abnormality of physiological, psychological or anatomical structure or function
Define disability
Any restriction or lack of activity to perform an activity in the manner or in the range considered normal for people of the same age, sex, and culture
Define handicap
A disadvantage for a given individual that limits or prevents the fulfilment of a role that would otherwise be normal for that individual
What is rehabilitation?
The restoration of patients to their fullest physical, mental and social capability
Which long term neurological conditions are caused by sudden onset?
Stroke
Acquired brain injury
Spinal cord injury
Which long term neurological conditions are intermittent/unpredictable?
Epilepsy
Early multiple sclerosis
Which long term neurological conditions are progressive?
Motor neurone disease
Parkinson’s disease
Later stage of multiple sclerosis
Which long term neurological conditions are stable conditions?
Post-polio syndrome
Cerebral palsy
Spina bifida
What are the physical weakness of a LTNC?
Weakness (hemiparesis/ paraparesis) Loss of/ abnormal sensation Change in tone/spasticity Visual disturbance Loss of hearing Swallowing/ communication difficulty Bladder/ bowel difficulties Pain Seizures
What are the cognitive problems after brain injury?
Post traumatic amnesia Confusion/ disorientation Memory problems Porr concentration/ attention Slowed thinking
What are the psychiatric/ behavioural problems after brain injury?
Depression
Anxiety
Personality change
Irritability
What should be included in a rehab assessment?
History and examination Mobility Activities of daily living Mood and cognition Bladder and bowels Communication and swallow Skin, vision and hearing
What is spasticity?
Motor disorder characterised by a velocity dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes with exaggerated tendon jerks
What are the complications of spasticity?
Poor seating and lying positions Sleep difficulties and fatigue Dressing and hygiene issues Pain, spasms Communication and feeding problems Pressure sores and contracture
How is spasticity managed?
Physical therapy
Oral anti spasticity agents
Focal treatment with botulinum toxin
What are the benefits of rehab?
Greater independence Greater chance of remaining at home Increased comfort and dignity Increased chance of remaining/ returning to work Improved quality of life Reduced need for care or assistance
What secondary complications does rehab aim to prevent?
Pressure sores Chest infection Deep venous thrombosis Malnutrition Constipation Musculoskelatal pain Contractures Low morale and depression
How is a severe head injury classified?
GCS 3-8
PTA 1-7 days
How is a moderate head injury classified?
GCS 9-12
PTA 1-24 hours
How is a mild head injury classified?
GCS 13-15
PTA less than 1 hour
