Strengthening goal-directed functioning after traumatic brain injury.
1VA Northern California Health Care System, Martinez, CA, United States; Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.
Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|October 9, 2019
Summary
Brain injury can impair goal-directed functioning. This chapter outlines neuroscience-based principles and practical strategies to enhance cognitive-emotional regulation and improve daily life after neurological trauma.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Psychology
Background:
- Acute brain trauma can cause chronic neurological deficits, significantly impacting goal-directed functioning.
- Dysfunctions following brain injury are often complex and difficult to treat effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate key principles for improving goal-directed functioning after brain injury.
- To emphasize practical, neuroscience-grounded approaches for maximizing functional recovery.
Main Methods:
- Grounded in neuroscience and theoretical underpinnings.
- Focuses on practical strategies for personal life improvements.
- Highlights targeting prefrontal cortical networks for strengthening core functions.
Main Results:
- Rehabilitation is maximized through cohesive, individualized treatments addressing multiple facets of functioning.
- Specific training approaches can target and strengthen prefrontal cortical functions.
- Addressing factors modulating brain processes is crucial for optimization.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing post-brain injury functioning requires individualized, multi-faceted rehabilitation.
- Cognitive-emotional regulation during goal pursuit is critical, especially for military trauma.
- Foundations are laid for innovative approaches to enhance goal-directed functioning.
Keywords:
AttentionExecutive functioningMilitary veteransPost-traumatic stress disorderRehabilitationSleepTrainingTraumatic brain injuryWorking memory
