Affective Disorders
30/11/09 20:45 Filed in: Module#9
Disorders of mood, including agitation, anxiety disorders, major depression, and bipolar Illness, are all common following an acquired brain injury and are associated with suffering, worsening of other ABI sequelae, and poorer outcomes. These disorders likely arise from the direct involvement of nerve cells in the limbic system during the brain injury process. Affective symptoms also appear to be important determinants of functional and quality of life outcomes (e.g. reduced social role functioning, poorer quality of life, etc.). They frequently cause significant distress for individuals with brain injury, their family members, and rehabilitation therapists as well. This chapter will review the evidence for both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of these affective disorders.
DownloadPost-Traumatic Seizure Disorder
29/11/09 20:45 Filed in: Module#10
The Brain Injury Special Interest Group of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation [1998] have noted that there are approximately 422,000 cases of inpatient traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in the United States every year [Kalsbeek et al. 1980]. Of all TBI patients who are hospitalized, it is estimated that 5% to 7% will experience post-traumatic seizures (PTS). The number rises to 11% for patients with severe non-penetrating TBI, and up to 35% to 50% for patients with penetrating TBI [Yablon 1993].
DownloadHeterotopic Ossification & Venous Thromboembolism
28/11/09 20:45 Filed in: Module#11
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a process where new bone forms within tissues where bone formation does not usually occur [Watanabe and Sant 2001]. In traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, the areas which are most commonly involved are the soft tissues around the hip, elbow, shoulder and knee [Garland et al. 1980; Varghese 1992].
DownloadNeuropharmacology
27/11/09 20:45 Filed in: Module#12
For a number of years, it has been recognized that brain injury causes alterations in neurotransmitter levels through a number of pathways including direct neuronal cell trauma, changes in neuronal membranes, and through secondary injury such as alterations in cerebral perfusion. A number of both clinical and basic science researchers have attempted to find pharmacological treatments in an attempt to normalize neurotransmitter levels and enhance brain recovery.
Download