ABSTRACT
Neurobehavioural disability is not associated with impairment of any particular cognitive function but reflects a breakdown in the integrity of those cerebral systems that regulate and co-ordinate behaviour. Inevitably, this involves a variety of cognitive functions, some of which are more circumscribed and easier to measure than others. However, the description of neurobehavioural disability given by Wood (Chapter 1, this volume) makes it clear that the predominant system associated with such disability is the frontal system. Adams (1975) has described the frontal system as being particularly susceptible to decelerative closed head injury. This means that disorders of behaviour and cognition encountered in a post-acute brain injury rehabilitation setting are especially associated with impairment of frontal function because closed head injuries comprise the largest group of referrals to such services (Wood, McCrea, Wood, & Merriman, 1999).
