NeuroRehabilitation - Volume 5, issue 2

Authors: Geldmacher, David S.

Article Type: Introduction

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1995-5201

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 101-101, 1995

Authors: Kertesz, Andrew

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Recovery from aphasia is presented as a model of compensation after vascular or traumatic brain damage. Initial severity, time from onset, and etiology are the major prognostic factors. Initial severity is closely related to the size and location of the lesion. Asphasic syndromes reflect the deficit in various language networks. Lesion studies suggest that ipsilateral connected cortex plays a major role in compensation; contralateral contribution may occur in large lesions. Articulated language output network includes Broca's area, rolandic operculum, anterior insula, and the striatum. The comprehension network includes the superior posterior temporal gyrus and temporal operculum, the supramarginal gyrus and …the angular gyrus. Show more

Keywords: Recovery, Aphasia, Articulated language, Comprehension, Network model

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1995-5202

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 103-113, 1995

Authors: Chatterjee, Anjan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Unilateral spatial neglect is one of the most striking disorders of cognition. Focal brain lesions, more commonly on the right, produce profound deficits in the awareness of contralateral self and space. This article reviews the assessment and current theoretical explanations of neglect, in light of rehabilitation. The presence of neglect is a predictor of poor functional recovery. No treatment protocols have been demonstrated to unequivocally aid the rehabilitation of these patients. However, based on a growing understanding of underlying mechanisms in the neglect syndrome, several promising treatment strategies have emerged. Group studies designed to establish the efficacy of these therapeutic …options are urgently needed. Show more

Keywords: Attention, Recovery, Stroke

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1995-5203

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 115-128, 1995

Authors: Anderson, Steven W. | Rizzo, Matthew

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Damage to the human cerebral cortex can result in a number of distinct visual perceptual impairments, including visual field defects, impaired eye movements, visual agnosia, visuospatial disorders, impaired binocular fusional convergence, achromatopsia, visual hallucinations and defective visuoperceptual discrimination. Such impairments are common following stroke, traumatic brain injury, and other forms of cortical dysfunction, and may have significant implications for the ability to participate in rehabilitation of nonvisual functions and performance of normal daily activities. We review these cortically-based visual impairments, with emphasis on the course of recovery and methods of rehabilitation. In addition, longitudinal data are presented on the recovery …of impaired visuoperceptual discrimination in 25 patients with cortical damage caused by stroke. Although the majority of these patients experienced good recovery without specific intervention, approximately one-third were left with significant chronic impairments of visuoperceptual discrimination. Despite promising recent developments in the treatment of cortically-based visual defects, there remains considerable need for information on the natural course of recovery of such impairments, as well as development of empirically validated rehabilitation procedures. Show more

Keywords: Visual perception, Visual fields, Perceptual discrimination, Stroke

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1995-5204

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 129-140, 1995

Authors: D'Esposito, Mark | Alexander, Michael P.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This article reviews the clinical profiles of memory disorders that are commonly encountered on neurorehabilitation units. Memory is comprised of several dissociable processes and is subserved by a distributed network of brain regions. The cognitive and neuroanatomical bases of memory provide the foundation for clinicians to evaluate and treat patients with memory disorders. Memory disorders occur with disparate etiologies including stroke, aneurysms, head injury, encephalitis and anoxia. Recovery of memory function is dependent on several clinical factors such as etiology and lesion location. There is no direct treatment of amnesia, but memory rehabilitation with pharmacotherapy or cognitive remediation is often …attempted. The relative strengths and weaknesses of each therapy strategy must be known. Show more

Keywords: Memory, Amnesia, Anatomy, Recovery, Rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1995-5205

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 141-159, 1995

Authors: Eslinger, Paul J. | Grattan, Lynn M. | Geder, Laszlo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The frontal lobe has been viewed historically in very different ways, ranging from enigmatic and mystifying to the crucial neural substrate for higher cognition and social behavior. Frontal lobe damage poses a unique and difficult set of challenges to the patient, their family and the neurorehabilitation team. Because of the role of the frontal lobe in adaptation and adjustment, such damage adversely affects a patient's participation in the process and content of rehabilitation. To aid diagnosis and treatment planning, a model of frontal lobe organization is outlined, focusing on the specific cognitive and behavioral symptom clusters associated with superior mesial, …inferior mesial, dorsolateral and orbital frontal lesions. A taxonomy of social executive processes is presented for identifying impairments in social behavior and personality, based upon the domains of social self-regulation, social self-awareness, social-sensitivity (empathy), and social-salience. Specific interventions are described that encompass dopamine agonist therapy for blunted affect, mutism and akinesia, cognitive strategies for improving organization and planning deficits, and evolving treatments for social impairments. Show more

Keywords: Frontal lobe, Executive functions, Brain damage, Rehabilitation, Social impairments, Pharmacologic treatment

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1995-5206

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 161-182, 1995

Authors: Raymer, Anastasia M. | Rothi, Leslie J. Gonzalez | Greenwald, Margaret L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Recently, researchers have advocated the use of cognitive neuropsychological models as an infrastructure for efforts in language rehabilitation. In this approach, clinicians characterize language impairments in individual patients with respect to cognitive models of lexical and sentence processing. This approach contrasts with many earlier efforts in which evaluation and treatment focused on the presence or absence of aphasia viewed as a general language impairment, or on syndromes of aphasia. We consider the structure that cognitive neuropsychological models may provide in different portions of the rehabilitation process and find that this approach, when applied with methodological rigor, has practical implications for …practice in aphasia assessment and treatment. In turn, some hope that data derived from clinical applications with this approach may support the modification of cognitive neuropsychological models. Show more

Keywords: Rehabilitation, Assessment, Treatment, Aphasia, Neuropsychology, Cognitive

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1995-5207

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 183-193, 1995