Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Brain Injury Basics: Behavioral & Emotional

Behavioral and Emotional Changes
Delayed or unresponsiveness to requests

Aggression
Property destruction

Depression
Yelling and angry outbursts
Self-injurious behavior
Decreased frustration tolerance
Impulsivity
Decreased sensitivity to others
Paranoia
Inappropriate sexual behavior
Hyperactivity
Immature self-focused behavior
Hoarding
Emotional swings (affective ability)


Understanding Behavior
Human behavior is commplex

Behavior is lawful and occurs for specific reasons
Behavior is controlled by the human nervous system and environment.
When brain functioning is altered by an injury, behavior can change.
Altered behavior occurs as a result of brain injury and is further affected by environmental influences


Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Brain Injury Basics: Introduction

Introduction:
  • There may be many changes in how a person thinks, feels, and acts after a brain injury.
  • Cognitive, physical, behavioral and emotional changes can greatly affect a person’s ability to live independently.
  • These changes can affect virtually every aspect of a person’s daily existence.
  • Most people who have survived brain injury have impairments in several areas, which complicate living independently, working, and relationships with others.
  • Changes in behavior after brain injury presents special difficulties.

 

Functional IMPACT:
  • Cognitive impairments can affect activities of daily living
  • Memory problems are considered to be the most disabling consequence of brain injury
  • Executive functioning refers to the ability to plan, initiate, direct, and monitor one’s activities and are often impacted
  • With impaired executive functioning, a person may not respond to stimulation from the environment in the same way as before a brain injury
  • Initiation problems may result in a person failing to engage in an important activity unless prompted repeatedly.

 Look for more information on Friday. Any questions or concerns please email sdushane@advisacare.com

Wednesday, November 10, 2010


Resources In the community

Below are a few resources in the area that are beneficial to our community and can help with most situations.


Brain Injury Association of Michigan
http://www.biausa.org/

American Spinal Cord Injury Association
http://www.asia-spinalinjury.org/

Michigan Disability Resources
www.michigan.gov/disabilityresources

Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
http://www.aaawm.org/

Disability Advocates of Kent County
http://www.disabilityadvocates.us/

Email or call us with other valuable resources you might have
that you want others to know about to sdushane@advisacare.com

We would love the opportunity to help you in your health care needs call us to see what we can do for you with a no obligation screening evaluation today


 


Thursday, November 4, 2010

We Can Help! Stroke Recovery & Rehabilitation


Recovery from stroke is a lifelong process. For many people, recovery begins with formal rehabilitation, which can restore independence by improving physical, mental and emotional functions. It is important for you and your family to know that no matter where you are in your recovery journey, there is always hope.
To enhance your quality of life after stroke, you are encouraged you to learn as many details as possible about stroke and recovery. Here are resources and information you and your caregiver can use to make as much progress in recovery as possible.

Effects of Stroke
The abilities that will be lost or affected by stroke depend on the extent of the brain damage and where in the brain the stroke occurred. Learn about areas within the brain that are responsible for a particular function or ability and how this can be affected by stroke.

Post-stroke
Educate yourself. Cover topics such as choosing the best stroke rehabilitation provider, discovering your dietary needs, developing coping skills to manage daily living, dealing with emotions and more.

Current statistics indicate that there are over 4 million people in the United States who have survived a stroke or brain attack and are living with the after-effects. These numbers do not reflect the scope of the problem and do not count the millions of husbands, wives and children who live with and care for stroke survivors and who are, because of their own altered lifestyle, greatly affected by stroke.

The very word "stroke" indicates that no one is ever prepared for this sudden, often catastrophic event. Stroke survivors and their families can find workable solutions to most difficult situations by approaching every problem with patience, ingenuity, perseverance and creativity.

Early Recovery
There's still so much we don't know about how the brain compensates for the damage caused by stroke or brain attack. Some brain cells may be only temporarily damaged, not killed, and may resume functioning. In some cases, the brain can reorganize its own functioning. Sometimes, a region of the brain "takes over" for a region damaged by the stroke. Stroke survivors sometimes experience remarkable and unanticipated recoveries that can't be explained. General recovery guidelines show:

• 10 percent of stroke survivors recover almost completely
• 25 percent recover with minor impairments
• 40 percent experience moderate to severe impairments requiring special care
• 10 percent require care in a nursing home or other long-term care facility
• 15 percent die shortly after the stroke

Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation actually starts in the hospital as soon as possible after the stroke. In patients who are stable, rehabilitation may begin within two days after the stroke has occurred, and should be continued as necessary after release from the hospital. The goal in rehabilitation is to relearn basic skills that the stroke may have taken away – skills like eating, dressing and walking. There are many types of rehabilitation available. The crucial and practical information will empower you to take charge of your life and become an active participant in your recovery. Learn about how to face daily tasks at home, dressing and grooming tips, ways to make eating easier and dealing with skin care problems.

Prevent another stroke
Within 5 years of a first stroke, the risk for another stroke can increase more than 40%. Learn how to reduce your risk for a recurrent stroke by making lifestyle changes and managing medical conditions that could your increase stroke risk.
• Approximately 795,000 Americans experience a stroke each year -- about 185,000 of those strokes are recurrent strokes.
• At least 1 in 4 (25%-35%) of the 795,000 Americans who have a stroke each year will have another stroke within their lifetime.
• Within 5 years of a first stroke, the risk for another stroke can increase more than 40%.
• Recurrent strokes often have a higher rate of death and disability because parts of the brain already injured by the original stroke may not be as resilient.
• Within 5 years of a stroke, 24 percent of women and 42 percent of men will experience a recurrent stroke.


Call us Toll Free for a Free Consultation (877) 654-4144 and ask for Shannan