ABSTRACT
Balance dysfunction and problems of postural control are commonly observed in people with acquired brain injury, causing problems in the control of body position in space and dificulties in stability and orientation. This chapter offers a conceptualization and protocolization of an effective system of functional re-education of problems of balance and stability associated with neurological injury. Different studies note the importance of treating balance at the beginning of rehabilitation due to the fact that the degree of balance dysfunction upon admission to rehabilitation would be a significant predictor of the need for assistance at discharge. Routine assessment of balance at admission to inpatient rehabilitation may enhance the ability to predict rehabilitation outcomes beyond that provided by assessment of functional status alone. Emphasis on rehabilitation techniques to treat balance dysfunction in the patient with traumatic brain injury will be considered in this chapter.
