Week 6 - Neuropsychology

Question 1

What are the potential causes of acquired brain injury (ABI)?

Answer 1

Traumatic brain injury
Stroke
Hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain)
Infection
Brain tumours

Question 2

What is ABI?

Answer 2

• Usually permanent injury to the brain, which causes damage to tissue and cells
• Changes in cognitive, physical, sensory and social functioning
• Injury after birth not related to a congenital disorder and degenerative disorder

Question 3

What is the difference between a Contrecoup injury and a Diffuse axonal injury?

Answer 3

Contrecoup: blow to one side of the brain and then a blow to the other side of the brain
Diffuse axonal injury: brain is shaken about and there is widespread diffuse axonal / vascular damage to the white matter, brain stem, frontal and temporal lobes, etc.

Question 4

What is the synopsis of TBI?

Answer 4

Young (18-28)
Male
Injury as the result of trauma
Wide range of physical, cognitive and behavioural impairments
Long-term disability with impacts on work, study, living situation, relationships and finances

Question 5

What are the characteristics of a mild or minor brain injury?

Answer 5

Brief or no loss of consciousness
Injury often not visible with medical imaging
Individual appears fine
May be unable to remember events before or after injury
10% experience long-term consequences but most recover with no ongoing symtoms

Question 6

What are the characteristics of a moderate brain injury?

Answer 6

Up to 24 hours loss of consciousness or coma
May sustain bleeding (haemorrhages) in the brain
Injury visible on medical imaging (sometimes)
1/3 - 1/2 have lifetime difficulties with learning and daily activities

Question 7

What are the characteristics of a severe brain injury?

Answer 7

Coma 24 hours or longer
Usually hospitalised for longer periods
80% of individuals will have lifelong disabilities
Long-term support required
More widespread bleeding affecting different parts of the brain
Diffuse rather than local injury to brain

Question 8

What is ABI not?

Answer 8

Intellectual disability or a mental health condition

Question 9

What are some risk factors for post-injury alcohol or other drug (AOD) use?

Answer 9

Pre-injury history of AOD use
Intoxication at time of injury
History of legal problems associates with AOD use
Age <25 years
Physically healthy with access to the community
AOD use in family members or friends

Question 10

What are some of the implications of brain injury?

Answer 10

Difficulties with activities of daily living and accessing the community.
Changes in ability to manage finances, to drive, to work or study.
Loss of control and choices, social isolation and loneliness.
Change of identity and roles.

Question 11

What are some of the functions of neuropsychogolcial assessment, such as the documentation of ABI related impairments and areas of strength?

Answer 11

To understand brain function and the impact on physical functioning, cognition, communication, behaviour and personality.
To support rehabilitation through the use of compensatory strategies, learning routines, setting goals and adjustment to disability.

Question 12

What are some tools and techniques neuropsychologists can use to undertake behavioural assessments?

Answer 12

ABC Records and Charting
Behaviour Questionnaires
Collateral Information
Interview and direct observation