The Brain Medicine Clinic: two cases highlighting the advantages of integrative care

Abstract

Background Current assessment and management models often do not adequately address the many aspects of managing complex brain disorders involving disordered affect, behaviour and cognition (ABC). A more collaborative model of care, where several specialties can jointly assess and manage patients with complex brain disorders, is gaining attention. Aims In this case report, we present two cases that highlight the benefits of the ‘brain medicine’ clinical model. Method The Brain Medicine Clinic employs an integrated clinical model in which psychiatrists and neurologists provide integrated interdisciplinary assessments of patients with complex brain disorders, leading to comprehensive assessment. We describe the clinical model and the trajectories of two patients with complex brain disorders seen in this clinic. In these case descriptions, we explain how the brain medicine clinical approach leads to an improved patient experience. Results The Brain Medicine Clinic assessments resulted in a neurobiopsychosocial formulation of symptoms and, consequently, holistic individualised treatment plans for two patients with complex brain disorders. This approach to patients’ conditions emerges from the understanding that there are multifactorial causes of brain disorders at the social, cultural, psychological and biological level. Conclusions Integrated interdisciplinary assessments allow for tailored treatment plans for individuals experiencing complex brain disorders, while creating efficiencies for the patient and the healthcare system.

Promoting Growth in Behavioral Neurology: A Path Forward

“…Furthermore, BNNP has always served as a natural professional home for clinicians who are interested in the intersection of neurology and psychiatry (Price et al, 2000). BNNP should also take the lead in emerging brain medicine initiatives (Brown et al, 2023; Perez, 2024; Saravi et al, 2023). Behavioral neurologists who serve on study groups for diagnosis and management coding in professional practice organizations or nongovernmental organizations such as the National Quality Forum, and even the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, can help these organizations eliminate codes that discourage the analysis of brain–behavior relationships (e.g., the generic ICD-10 code R41.…”

“…Furthermore, BNNP has always served as a natural professional home for clinicians who are interested in the intersection of neurology and psychiatry (Price et al, 2000). BNNP should also take the lead in emerging brain medicine initiatives (Brown et al, 2023; Perez, 2024; Saravi et al, 2023).…”