Acquired Brain Injury

Regardless of etiology, such as accident, tumor, stroke or assault, acquired brain injury presents numerous challenges for survivors, caregivers and treating professionals. Interdisciplinary and integrated evaluations, treatment, and management can mean the difference between successful recovery and unfortunate outcomes.

The first book to present a comprehensive team approach to rehabilitation of ABI survivors, Acquired Brain Injury gives medical and clinical specialists a deeper understanding of not only each other’s roles, but also their complementary functions.

-The medical management of ABI—neurosurgery, neurology, physiatry—and the medical specialties involved—neuropsychiatry, neurourology and neurooptometry

-In-depth discussion of the roles of occupational, speech-language, and balance rehabilitation

-Separate chapters on nursing, neuropsychology, and case management

-The importance of addressing family needs

-Long-term challenges

-Case examples throughout illustrating a wide range of injuries, symptoms, and stages of recovery

Based on the editors’ combined experience of more than 40 years in the neuro-rehabilitation field, this comprehensive volume clarifies rehabilitation goals and processes for the physician, rehab specialist, the advanced student, and patients’ advocates. With ABI so prevalent—roughly 1.5 million new cases per year—this book couldn’t be more timely.

From the reviews:

"This is a welcome review of the evaluation and management of patients with acquired brain injury (ABI). The goal is to provide an introduction to many of the key players in the neuro-rehabilitation team. It is also informative for the families of ABI survivors. This is great overview for students and residents as well as family members and caregivers. … This is great addition to information already available about ABI. It is a helpful tool for the families, caregivers, students, and residents." (Nenad N Brkic, Doody's Book Review, October, 2007)

"The aim of this book is to provide the background that will enable effective communication and coordination of services for patients and their families along the continuum of care. … does give suggestions to clinicians based on the best available evidence and widespread practice patterns. … Throughout the book, case scenarios concisely illustrate clinical situations that are related to the text, giving the reader an approach to diagnosis and available treatments. … Acquired Brain Injury is a good resource … ." (Nora Cullen, New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 357 (23), 2007)

Jean Elbaum, Ph.D. is the Clinical Director of "Transitions of Long Island," the comprehensive neurorehabilitation facility of North Shore-Long Island Jewish Medical Center.

Deborah Benson, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of "Transitions of Long Island," the comprehensive neurorehabilitation facility of North Shore-Long Island Jewish Medical Center. She is board certified in rehabilitation psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. She is also certified by the American Academy for the Certification of Brain Injury Specialists.