Pediatric traumatic brain injury
Traumatic brain injury is (TBI) is defined as “an alteration in brain function, or other evidence of brain pathology, caused by an external force.” In children, a pediatric TBI disrupts…
Involving family in rehabilitation: Role of physiatry
Why should physiatrists involve family in treatment? • Family members are the primary source of support for persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) regarding: • Physical assistance (e.g., transfers, basic…
Community reentry
The goal of this chapter is to define the meaning of community reentry in patients with a brain injury (BI) diagnosis. Patients who benefit from this service have had an…
Assistive technology
As defined by Public Law 100-407 Assistive technology means any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to…
Therapeutic exercise/rehabilitation
Rehabilitation post brain injury occurs in a variety of setting with multiple team members. Regardless of timing, goal-directed care is important. Each individual sustaining brain injury presents with unique mobility…
Sexuality and intimacy
Sexual dysfunction is a well-known, yet seldom discussed, complication in individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This is likely because it can be uncomfortable for the patient,…
Substance abuse
Substance abuse disorders are a relatively common occurrence in the traumatic brain injury (TBI) population. Premorbid rates of substance use are around the same or may even exceed those of…
Behavioral dyscontrol
The term behavioral dyscontrol broadly refers to impairment in one’s ability to self-regulate behavior in response to either internal or external stimuli, typically yielding actions that are impulsive and contextually…
Posttraumatic stress disorder
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that occurs in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as a: • Serious accident • Sexual assault •…
Mood and anxiety disorders
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in an increased risk for psychiatric illness, including mood and anxiety disorders, substance abuse, sleep disorders, and psychosis. As in the general population, mood disorders…
