Cognition and learning / Stroke and traumatic brain injury
Cognition and learning
Stroke and traumatic brain injury
Understand what has changed after a brain injury and orient the supports.
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Stroke or traumatic brain injury can affect memory, attention, planning, communication and how someone experiences emotions. The same type of injury can affect people differently. This page focuses on cognitive needs and participation in adult life. Remembering an appointment, organising a routine and following a conversation can each require different support.
If you suddenly have difficulty speaking, facial drooping, weakness, loss of vision or problems with balance, call 112. Do not wait for an appointment, even if the symptoms go away.
Evaluate to work on specific goals.
The neuropsychological assessment helps to understand the profile of the person and the impact of the changes in his activities. It is related to the medical history, evolution and support that he already receives. It does not replace the medical follow-up. Before starting an accompaniment, it is important to clarify what care the centre can offer according to the recovery phase and the needs of each case.
Understand what has become difficult and which abilities are retained
It matters to compare with previous operation and collect examples from day to day. The person and his/her environment can observe different difficulties. Fatigue, sleep, emotional state or communication needs can also influence and deserve their own attention.
Choosing Meaningful Goals
The objectives are linked to activities that are important to the individual. Rehabilitation can combine skills work, coping strategies and environmental adjustments. Using a reminder can facilitate a task without meaning that the memory has fully recovered.
Review utility and coordinate support
We also review progress outside appointments: what has become easier, what help is still needed and how much effort activities take. When appropriate and with consent, professionals and people providing support can coordinate around shared goals. Recovery varies between people.
Distinguish evaluation and rehabilitation.
Knowing the cognitive profile and working on its consequences are related steps, with different objectives. See which one answers your question and if coordination is needed with other services. Care after an injury in childhood requires a specific approach.
Cognitive assessment for adults
Understand cognitive functions and their relationship to everyday life.
Cognitive rehabilitation for adults
Targeting work towards skills, strategies and participation.
Before you take the first step
No. The cause, how things have changed, the person's circumstances before the injury and their surroundings all matter. Stroke and traumatic brain injury follow different courses. Assessment helps identify the person's needs. This guidance is for adults and does not automatically apply to children or to every symptom after a concussion.
Not necessarily. The result of a task alone does not demonstrate that improvement is transferred to other activities, so it is appropriate to review daily objectives and needs for help. Ability to drive or return to work requires the appropriate specific assessment.
What has changed, since when, what activities are of concern and what follow-up or rehabilitation is received. You can indicate if there are previous reports and ask how to share them. Clarify the scope of the care available before starting the process.