Annually, some 500,000 people are hospitalized with brain lesions acquired after
traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Brazil. Between 75,000 and 100,000 individuals
die within hours of the event and 70,000 to 90,000 evolve to irreversible loss
of some neurological function. The principal causes of TBI include motor vehicle
accidents (50%), falls (21%), assaults and robberies (12%) and accidents during
leisure activities (10%). Within this context, cognitive rehabilitation, a
clinical area encompassing interdisciplinary action aimed at recovery as well as
compensation of cognitive functions altered as a result of cerebral injury, is
extremely important for these individuals. Therefore, the aim of this study was
to review the basic concepts related to TBI, including mechanisms of injury,
severity levels of TBI, the most common findings in moderate and severe TBI
survivors, and the most frequent cognitive impairments following TBI, and also
to discuss the strategies used to handle patients post-TBI. The study results
yielded relevant information on a structured cognitive rehabilitation service,
representing an alternative for patients and families afflicted by TBI, enabling
the generation of multiple research protocols.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of lifelong disability and death
worldwide. Sport-related traumatic brain injury is an important public health
concern. The purpose of this review was to highlight the importance of
sport-related concussions. Concussion refers to a transient alteration in
consciousness induced by external biomechanical forces transmitted directly or
indirectly to the brain. It is a common, although most likely underreported,
condition. Contact sports such as American football, rugby, soccer, boxing,
basketball and hockey are associated with a relatively high prevalence of
concussion. Various factors may be associated with a greater risk of
sport-related concussion, such as age, sex, sport played, level of sport played
and equipment used. Physical complaints (headache, fatigue, dizziness),
behavioral changes (depression, anxiety, irritability) and cognitive impairment
are very common after a concussion. The risk of premature return to activities
includes the prolongation of post-concussive symptoms and increased risk of
concussion recurrence.
Annually, 700,000 people are hospitalized with brain injury acquired after
traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Brazil.OBJECTIVEWe aim to review the basic concepts related to TBI, and the most common
Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) findings in
moderate and severe TBI survivors. We also discussed our strategies used to
manage such patients in the post-acute period.METHODSFifteen TBI outpatients followed at the Center for Cognitive Rehabilitation
Post-TBI of the Clinicas Hospital of the University of São Paulo were
submitted to a neurological, neuropsychological, speech and occupational
therapy evaluation, including the Mini-Mental State Examination.
Rehabilitation strategies will then be developed, together with the
interdisciplinary team, for each patient individually. Where necessary, the
pharmacological approach will be adopted.RESULTSOur study will discuss options of pharmacologic treatment choices for
cognitive, behavioral, or affective disorders following TBI, providing
relevant information related to a structured cognitive rehabilitation
service and certainly will offer an alternative for patients and families
afflicted by TBI.CONCLUSIONTraumatic brain injury can cause a variety of potentially disabling
psychiatric symptoms and syndromes. Combined behavioral and pharmacological
strategies, in the treatment of a set of highly challenging behavioral
problems, appears to be essential for good patient recovery.
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