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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Michael Barnes
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Head injury is a common disabling condition but regrettably facilities for rehabilitation are sparse. There is now increasing evidence of the efficacy of a comprehensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation team compared to natural recovery following brain injury. This chapter outlines some basic concepts of rehabilitation and emphasises the importance of valid and reliable outcome measures. The evidence of the efficacy of a rehabilitation programme is discussed in some detail. A number of specific rehabilitation problems are outlined including the management of spasticity, nutrition, pressure sores and urinary continence. The increasingly important role of assistive technology is illustrated, particularly in terms of communication aids and environmental control equipment. However, the major long-term difficulties after head injury focus around the cognitive, intellectual, behavioural and emotional problems. The complex management of these disorders is briefly addressed and the evidence of the efficacy of some techniques discussed. The importance of recognition of the vegetative state and avoidance of misdiagnosis is emphasised. Finally, the important, but often neglected, area of employment rehabilitation is covered.
Author(s): Barnes MP
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: British Medical Bulletin
Year: 1999
Volume: 55
Issue: 4
Pages: 927-943
Print publication date: 01/01/1999
ISSN (print): 0007-1420
ISSN (electronic): 1471-8391
Publisher: Oxford University Press
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1258/0007142991902727
DOI: 10.1258/0007142991902727
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