Recognising and assessing neurobehavioural disability after traumatic brain injury

Issue title: Neurobehavioural Disorders after Traumatic Brain Injury: Assessment, Treatment and Outcome

Guest editors: Roger Ll. Wood

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Wood, Rodger Ll.

Affiliations: College of Human & Health Science, Vivian Building, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK. Tel.: +44 1792 295778; Fax: +44 1792 295009; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Background:Neurobehavioural disability often leads to serious social handicap. Many individuals never recover full social independence and will remain largely dependent upon family support, imposing a significant and potentially life-long psychological burden on those who care for injured relatives. Close relationships are at risk and many partnerships break down, increasing the risk of social isolation and subsequent psychological distress to the survivor. Objectives:The aim of this paper is to examine the nature of some cardinal features of neurobehavioural disability that contribute to poor psychosocial outcome; consider their organic origins, and problems associated with standardised methods of assessment. Methods:A review of clinical literature addressing neurobehavioural disability after TBI. Results:Many forms of neurobehavioural disability are subtle but have a pervasive impact on psychosocial outcome in general and relationships in particular. Conclusions:Caution is recommended when employing standardised tests to identify the complex and often subtle nature of neurobehavioural disorders. More work is needed to define the nature and impact of different forms of neurobehavioural disorders that comprise this complex form of disability.

Keywords: Neurobehavioural, disability, traumatic brain injury, assessment

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-130895

Journal: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 4, pp. 699-706, 2013