Neurological Rehabilitation and Assessment of Cognitive Functioning

Question 1

What is post traumatic amnesia?

Answer 1

Period of recovery following traumatic brain injury

Question 2

What is anterograde amnesia?

Answer 2

Inability to remember new events/experience occurred after brain injury

Question 3

Define disorientation?

Answer 3

Unable to locate themselves in time and place

Question 4

What areas should be tested during a clinical interview?

Answer 4

Memory 
Language 
Processing speed 
Attention/concentration 
Executive functioning 
Personality 
Insight 
Visual spatial

Question 5

Name some assessment considerations

Answer 5

Language barrier 
Eyesight/hearing 
Fatigue 
Confusion/delirium 
Environmental factors 
Anxiety

Question 6

Define impairment

Answer 6

Any loss or abnormality of physiological, psychological or anatomical structure or function

Question 7

Define disability

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Define handicap

Answer 8

A disadvantage for a given individual that limits or prevents the fulfilment of a role that would otherwise be normal for that individual

Question 9

What is rehabilitation?

Answer 9

The restoration of patients to their fullest physical, mental and social capability

Question 10

Which long term neurological conditions are caused by sudden onset?

Answer 10

Stroke
Acquired brain injury
Spinal cord injury

Question 11

Which long term neurological conditions are intermittent/unpredictable?

Answer 11

Epilepsy

Early multiple sclerosis

Question 12

Which long term neurological conditions are progressive?

Answer 12

Motor neurone disease
Parkinson’s disease
Later stage of multiple sclerosis

Question 13

Which long term neurological conditions are stable conditions?

Answer 13

Post-polio syndrome
Cerebral palsy
Spina bifida

Question 14

What are the physical weakness of a LTNC?

Answer 14

Weakness (hemiparesis/ paraparesis) 
Loss of/ abnormal sensation 
Change in tone/spasticity 
Visual disturbance 
Loss of hearing 
Swallowing/ communication difficulty 
Bladder/ bowel difficulties 
Pain 
Seizures

Question 15

What are the cognitive problems after brain injury?

Answer 15

Post traumatic amnesia 
Confusion/ disorientation 
Memory problems 
Porr concentration/ attention 
Slowed thinking

Question 16

What are the psychiatric/ behavioural problems after brain injury?

Answer 16

Depression
Anxiety
Personality change
Irritability

Question 17

What should be included in a rehab assessment?

Answer 17

History and examination 
Mobility 
Activities of daily living 
Mood and cognition 
Bladder and bowels 
Communication and swallow 
Skin, vision and hearing

Question 18

What is spasticity?

Answer 18

Motor disorder characterised by a velocity dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes with exaggerated tendon jerks

Question 19

What are the complications of spasticity?

Answer 19

Poor seating and lying positions 
Sleep difficulties and fatigue 
Dressing and hygiene issues 
Pain, spasms 
Communication and feeding problems 
Pressure sores and contracture

Question 20

How is spasticity managed?

Answer 20

Physical therapy
Oral anti spasticity agents
Focal treatment with botulinum toxin

Question 21

What are the benefits of rehab?

Answer 21

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

Question 22

What secondary complications does rehab aim to prevent?

Answer 22

Pressure sores 
Chest infection 
Deep venous thrombosis 
Malnutrition 
Constipation 
Musculoskelatal pain 
Contractures 
Low morale and depression

Question 23

How is a severe head injury classified?

Answer 23

GCS 3-8

PTA 1-7 days

Question 24

How is a moderate head injury classified?

Answer 24

GCS 9-12

PTA 1-24 hours

Question 25

How is a mild head injury classified?

Answer 25

GCS 13-15

PTA less than 1 hour