MEDICAL PROBLEMS IN TBI: SEXUALITY IN
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY: EARLY STAGES OF NEUROLOGICAL
RECOVERY
Some individuals experience decreased alertness, confusion,
and greatly reduced awareness in the early stages of neurological recovery.
Behaviors, such as self-exposure and/or self-stimulation, may be present
and are often upsetting to witness. It is important to remember that your
family member's awareness of and ability to control this behavior has been
affected by the brain injury. When necessary, you should redirect your family
member, either verbally or with a physical cue, depending on his/her level
of cognitive functioning. DO NOT scold or criticize, but rather provide
feedback in a neutral manner. Ensure that privacy and personal dignity are
maintained in this type of response. |
Based on Brain Injury Patient Care and
Education Manual, by Pinecrest Rehabilitation Hospital; Neuro section of
the Trauma Manual, Jackson Memorial Hospital; and Recovering from Head Injury;
a Guide for Patients, by Nova University Neuropsychology Service, and edited
for PoinTIS by the Louis Calder Memorial Library of the University of Miami
School of Medicine and the PoinTIS Advisory Committee, and on Rehabilitation
of Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury, NIH Consensus Statement 1998 Oct.
26-28.
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