The The Road Less Traveled: Integrating Neurotherapy with Holistic Neuropsychological Rehabilitation After Severe Head Injury

Authors

  • Mohammed Afsar National Institute of Mental Health Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, India
  • Nishita Choudhari National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, India
  • Dhaval Shukla National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
  • Jamuna Rajeswaran National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15540/nr.8.1.57

Keywords:

EEG Neurofeedback Training, Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, Holistic Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, Severe Traumatic Brain Injury, Neurotherapy

Abstract

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral disturbances.  The cognitive deficits are common after TBI, and a holistic approach to neuropsychological rehabilitation is recommended in these patients.  EEG neurofeedback training (EEG-NFT) is a state-of-the-art technique for neuropsychological rehabilitation.  There is a paucity of studies exploring the use of EEG-NFT integrated with holistic neuropsychological rehabilitation.  Method: Single case design was adopted for the present study.  A 25-year-old single male, diagnosed with severe TBI, presented with physical, cognitive, and emotional-behavioral disturbances after 17 months of injury.  A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment was carried out.  The neuropsychological rehabilitation using EEG-NFT along with psychosocial interventions with the patient and the parents was carried out for 9 months.  Results: The patient showed significant improvement in cognitive deficits such as attention, executive functions, and visuospatial ability.  Emotional-behavioral problems such as irritability, sadness, and overall dysfunction also improved significantly.  Conclusion: The present case study highlights that integrating EEG-NFT along with holistic neuropsychological rehabilitation helps to improve cognitive, emotional, and behavioral disturbances after TBI.

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Published

2021-03-29

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Section

Clinical Corner