Rehab after Brain Injury

Question 1

What are the main causes of brain injury?

Answer 1

Trauma
Ischaemic stroke
Intracranial haemorrhage
Infection
Anoxia
Complications of surgery

Question 2

What are some early physical issues of brain injury?

Answer 2

Mobility (left hemiparesis, pelvic fractures)
Muscle tone
Nutrition 
Pressure areas
Continence
Communication

Question 3

What non-physical issues impact on early rehab?

Answer 3

Impaired cognition: disorientation, short attention span, poor STM, impaired executive function, impaired insight
Emotional lability
Behavioural problems

Question 4

What is the biology of rehab?

Answer 4

Stop further damage, stabilise the physiology
Recovery and repair of damaged cells/circuits
Activation of redundant pathways
Stem cell differentiation and activation
Promoting experience-dependent plasticity through focussed practice

Question 5

What are the aims of rehab?

Answer 5

Treat impairment
Reduce disability and handicap
Maximise function, independence, quality of life
Re-integrate:  home, relationships, work
Empower the brain injured person
Support the family and carers
Provide long term support