The Journal of head trauma rehabilitation
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J Head Trauma Rehabil · May 2009
ReviewTraumatic brain injury and sleep disturbance: a review of current research.
To summarize the current literature regarding the significant prevalence and potential consequences of sleep disturbance following traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly mild TBI. ⋯ Sleep disturbance is a common consequence of TBI, but much more research is required to elucidate the nature and extent of this relation. Research needs to focus on (1) uncovering the specific types, causes, and severity of TBI that most often lead to sleep problems; (2) the specific consequences of sleep disturbance in this population (eg, impaired physical or cognitive recovery); and (3) the most effective strategies for the treatment of sleep-wake abnormalities in this population.
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J Head Trauma Rehabil · Mar 2009
ReviewSLAM on the stand: how the sports-related concussion literature can inform the expert witness.
Mild head injury is a controversial topic because patients may have subtle deficits and widely varied outcomes. Accordingly, neuropsychologists are frequently asked to provide expert testimony about the nature of mild head injury. This article discusses how the sports-related concussion literature, including the concept of baseline assessment, can inform expert witnesses who are asked to provide such testimony. ⋯ This is followed by a review of the sports as a laboratory assessment model literature, which demonstrates consistent and meaningful evidence of cognitive sequelae following mild head injury. We conclude with a description of how the sports as a laboratory assessment model literature may be utilized in a forensic neuropsychology context to address some of the identified controversies. We end with a call for more research that will further inform the forensic neuropsychologist about mild head injury and those factors that may result in poor recovery.
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As part of a special issue of The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, forensic neuropsychology is reviewed as it applies to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other types of acquired brain injury in which clinical neuropsychologists and rehabilitation psychologists may be asked to render professional opinions about the neurobehavioral effects and outcome of a brain injury. The article introduces and overviews the topic focusing on the process of forensic neuropsychological consultation and practice as it applies to patients with TBI or other types of acquired brain injury. The emphasis is on the application of scientist-practitioner standards as they apply to legal questions about the status of a TBI patient and how best that may be achieved. This article introduces each topic area covered in this special edition.
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J Head Trauma Rehabil · Jan 2009
Comparative StudyTraumatic brain injury associated with combat ocular trauma.
To determine the impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on visual outcomes in combat ocular trauma (COT) and determine the association between TBI severity and types of ocular injuries. ⋯ Traumatic brain injury occurs in two thirds of all COT and ocular trauma is a common finding in all TBI cases. Closed-globe injuries are at highest risk for TBI while TBI does not appear to lead to poorer visual outcomes. Every patient with COT needs TBI screening. Those service members who are screened TBI positive need a referral to a TBI rehabilitation specialist.
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J Head Trauma Rehabil · Jan 2009
ReviewThe Veterans Health Administration's (VHA's) Polytrauma System of Care for mild traumatic brain injury: costs, benefits, and controversies.
The Veterans Health Administration's (VHA's) Polytrauma System of Care, developed in response to a new cohort of patients back from Iraq and Afghanistan, is described with particular focus on the assessment and treatment of mild traumatic brain injury (mild TBI). The development of systemwide TBI screening within the VHA has been an ambitious and historic undertaking. ⋯ The purpose of this article is to identify and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the VHA's TBI clinical reminder and subsequent evaluation and treatment processes. Complicating factors such as increased media attention and other contextual factors are discussed.