ABSTRACT
The distribution of kinetic energy which occurs in closed-head injury results in diffuse microscopic changes to the cerebral structures. Attention underlies many daily activities and mental capacities, including memory, communication and problem solving. Results indicated gains on specific measures of attention and of memory function in the group receiving attention training. Similar gains were not seen in the group receiving memory training. Compensatory approaches typically involve environmental modifications or the training of internal or external memory strategies. Training of attentional deficits at this level requires flexible redirection and reallocation of attention. Weber describes an approach to the treatment of two patients, one with an attentional capacity deficit and one with an attentional control deficit. The majority of studies on attention have focused on attempts to retrain underlying attentional skills. Historically, physicians and other medical practitioners have tended to view the minor brain-injury syndrome as a psychiatric, emotionally based or psychosomatic disorder.
