Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Does It Work?

Solid evidence is lacking thus far that specific goal-oriented treatments are effective for traumatic brain injury, or TBI, though results are promising, according to a government report.


Each year, it is estimated that 1.7 million people in the United States sustain a TBI. From 2000 to 2010, the number of military service members diagnosed with TBI nearly tripled from just under 11,000 to more than 30,700.


Traumatic brain injury results from a bump or blow to the head, or from external forces that cause the brain to move within the head, such as whiplash or exposure to blasts. It can cause cognitive, physical, and/or psychosocial problems.


One form of treatment for TBI is cognitive rehabilitation therapy (CRT), a goal-oriented approach to help patients increase their ability to process and interpret information. CRT involves a variety of treatments provided by health professionals in a wide range of fields. It also often involves the active participation of family or caregivers.

By PSYCH CENTRAL NEWS EDITOR 


http://psychcentral.com/news/2011/10/13/cognitive-rehabilitation-therapy-for-traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-does-it-work/30325.html

House passes Staten Island Rep. Michael Grimm's bill that matches vets with dogs

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Rep. Michael Grimm's Veterans Dog Therapy Training Act passed the House yesterday, a "win-win" for vets suffering from PTSD and others who are disabled.

Under the legislation, veterans will be able to address their post-traumatic stress disorder through therapeutic dog training and handling. The trained service dogs will then be given to physically disabled veterans to help them meet their daily challenges.

"This type of program, that allows veterans to help veterans, could have a tremendous impact in New York," said Grimm (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn). "Ideally, I'd like to see [it] established at the Brooklyn VA Hospital, which provides care for many of the veterans in my district."

Specifically, the legislation establishes a pilot program in VA medical centers for educating veterans with mental health conditions in the art and science of training and handling therapy dogs. It also calls for an assessment of the benefits to the veterans, as well as encouraging the use of shelter dogs.

By Judy L. Randall 

http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/10/house_passes_grimms_bill_that.html