Topics in Cognitive Rehabilitation in the TBI Post-Hospital Phase

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to nondegenerative, noncongenital damage to the brain from an external mechanical force, which can lead to permanent or temporary impairment of cognitive, physical, and psychosocial functions, with an associated diminished or altered state of consciousness. Despite this broad definition, it is estimated that more than 1.500.000 people suffer TBI annually in US, with 20% afflicted with moderate or severe forms. Additionally, a high percentage of these patients are unable to return to their daily routine (approximately 50%). In this context, both motor and cognitive rehabilitation are extremely important for these individuals. The aim of cognitive and motor rehabilitation is to recover an individual's ability to process, interpret and respond to environmental inputs, as well as to create strategies and procedures to compensate for lost functions that are necessary in familial, social, educational and occupational settings. The purpose of this book is to review the basic concepts related to TBI, including mechanisms of injury, acute and post-acute care, severity levels, the most common findings in mild, moderate and severe TBI survivors, and the most frequent cognitive and motor impairments following TBI, as well as to discuss the strategies used to support post-TBI patients. The most important rehabilitation techniques, both from cognitive and motor perspectives, are addressed. Finally, information regarding work and community re-entry and familial and psychological support are discussed in detail. Topics in Cognitive Rehabilitation in the TBI Post-Hospital Phase is intended as a reference guide for all professionals who have contact with or are related to patients suffering from TBI. Any professionals who work with or are related to patients suffering from TBI will find here a broad and comprehensive overview of TBI, addressing all essential issues, from acute care to rehabilitation strategies, follow up and re-socialization.

Renato Anghinah: MD, PhD. Training in Neurology (1990-1992) and in EEG (1992-1993), Federal University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. (1994). Specialist in Clinical Neurophysiology and Neurology by the Brazilian Academy of Neurology. Master in Medicine (Neurology) by Medical Assistance to the State Civil Servants Hospital, Brazil (1999). PhD in Sciences (Neurology) by University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Brazil (2003). Associate Professor of Neurology, Head of Cognitive Rehabilitation Post-TBI group and Cognitive Rehabilitation Post-Brain Injury Service, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Brazil.

Wellingson Paiva: Training in Neurosurgery at University of Sao Paulo, Brazil (2004-2009). Fellowship in Functional Neurosurgery at University of Sao Paulo, Brazil (2009-2010). Specialist by the Brazilian Society of Neurosurgery. PhD in Sciences (Neurology) by University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Brazil (2012). Associate Professor of Neurology, Director of Translational Neurotrauma Laboratory and Supervisor of Emergency Neurosurgery Unit, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Brazil.

Linamara Rizzo Battistella: PhD in Medicine by University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Brazil (1990). Specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Former president of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (2004-2006) and of the Brazilian Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Association (2005-2007). Chairman of the Institute Lucy Montoro Rehabilitation Center. Coordinator of the WHO development group of rehabilitation guidelines related to health. 

Robson Amorin: Neurosurgery Residency at University of Sao Paulo, Brazil (2004-2009). Coordinator of the Neurotrauma Clinic of University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Brazil. Specialization in Clinical Research by Harvard University (2011). Fellowship in Functional Neurosurgery at University of Sao Paulo, Brazil (2009-2010). Specialist in Neurosurgery, member of the Brain Trauma Department of Brazilian Society of Neurosurgery (2012-present). PhD in Sciences (Neurology) by University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Brazil (2013). Supervisor of Emergency Neurosurgery Unit at University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Brazil (2009-2013).