ABSTRACT

The post-acute neurorehabilitation process is similar to that at the acute stage; however, a patient is able to engage and participate to a greater degree and can set goals along with family and the multidisciplinary team. Interventions can target cognitive and behavioural disturbances, as well as practical tasks that allow an individual to be independent in self-care. An overall summary of the organic damage, pre- and post-TBI factors, and cognitive strengths and weaknesses can provide a useful account of the immediate problems, which can then highlight where to start with interventions. There are different approaches to neurorehabilitation, which influence multidisciplinary teams and individual health professionals. Intervention strategies range widely, for example: environmental management strategies; restitution, substitution or compensation techniques, depending on the severity and degree of function lost; use of learning techniques; psychotherapy for managing emotional reactions; psychoeducation to understand what has happened; and psychological interventions.