Brain Injury and Self-Awareness: Denial and Metacognition in Occupational Therapy

Introduction Brain injury may cause cognitive disabilities that affect one’s self-awareness. One model, the Expanded Awareness Model (Toglia & Kirk, 2000), provides a framework of awareness to guide occupational therapy practice. “In this model, assessment of awareness includes comparing client’s self-rating with rating by a relative/clinician, or by the performance on the neuropsychological tests. The … Read more

Red Flags for Brain Injury – Occupational Therapy Practice

Introduction Over 1.5 million TBIs occur every year. Many brain injuries can go undiagnosed, even in the hospital. Identifying mild to moderate brain injuries can be challenging, but help to prevent loss of further occupational participation and lowered quality of life. These red flags from history, chief complaints, signs, and symptoms can be an indication … Read more

Brain Injury (ABI/TBI) Care Continuum / Settings for Occupational Therapy

Acute Emergency Services (EMS) Emergency Department Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Specialty Neurotrauma OR Long-term Acute Care Post-Acute Comprehensive Integrated Inpatient Brain Injury Rehabilitation Hospital Post-Acute Residential Rehabilitation OR Home with Family and Outpatient Treatment OR SubAcute Rehabilitation Independent LivingSupported Living Program in Group Home or ApartmentHome with Family and OT ServicesNursing Care Facility Source: Rocky … Read more

Rancho Los Amigos Levels – Occupational Therapy

The Rancho Los Amigos Scale is used to evaluate a patient following a brain injury. The levels are based on observations of the patient’s responses to the environment. It provides insight into their progress during recovery and rehabilitation. The occupational therapist supports the team and the patient throughout their recovery based on their level of … Read more

Occupational Therapy Evaluation of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Occupational Therapy TBI Evaluation Featured

Introduction Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) rehabilitation has changed over the last 40 years. Patients with TBI are living longer than before and rehabilitation techniques have been well studied and developed. In particular, we have a better understanding of outcomes-based on rehabilitation. As insurance coverage broadened for people with TBI, however, the length of stay has … Read more