Brain Injury & the Impact to Memory and Cognitive Function

Each day, lives are affected by a common, and often misdiagnosed, condition of mild traumatic brain injury. For many sufferers, the mild traumatic brain injury is simply the result of mind bump on the head, contusion or even an illness. The effects of a mild brain injury, however, can significantly impair independence and activities of daily living.

Because the brain is the most complex organ in our body, it must be treated with delicacy. Enclosed in the skull, many active adults assume the brain is protected against most harsh activity. But, did you know that even a mild case of whiplash can result in long term traumatic brain complications? The simple jostling of the brain can result in permanent and temporary brain damage, often without the patient even realizing the even has occurred.

One such area of concern, following a mild brain injury event, involves the development of attention and concentration impairments. Unfortunately, in patients with brain injuries that are relatively mild and misdiagnosed, the treatment is often delayed until such time as the impaired cognitive thinking affects the functions of daily life. Once diagnosed, however, the treatment can be established based on the needs of the mild brain injury patient.

Entering into a cognitive behavioral therapy program can provide the brain injury patient with key areas of education and training. Educating the brain injury patient in the situations and scenarios to avoid, while also working out a strategic plan for optimal working hours, are just a few of the services a neuropsychiatrist or neuropsychologist can provide. Additionally, the same cognitive behavioral therapy can also promote a more fluent transition in the brain injury patient in providing coping mechanisms in ways to deal with complex situations as they arise.