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Understanding Cognitive Rehabilitation: How It Can Improve Memory in Patients With Neurological Conditions

Understanding Cognitive Rehabilitation: How It Can Improve Memory in Patients With Neurological Conditions

You rely on your brain for everything, from breathing to thinking to cooking. Injuring this complex organ will severely affect your cognitive and physical behavior and health. Though brain injuries are serious, they’re fairly common with about 3 million people in the US experiencing a brain injury every year, according to the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. That said, you don’t have to go through it alone.

Reach out to Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. when you need a neurologist in New York for concussion management or other neurological complications like ADHD, seizures, or Alzheimer’s disease. Don’t wait to treat brain injuries and complications when brain health is so vital.

Understanding Cognitive Rehabilitation

Brain injury recovery usually requires cognitive rehabilitation. It helps the parts of the brain that allow you to think, while cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, helps you think.

When you have an injury or disease that impairs your ability to think, your healthcare provider will likely refer you to someone providing cognitive rehabilitation to make it easier for your brain to think again.

How Does Cognitive Rehabilitation Work?

The amygdala, cerebellum, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex are the parts of the brain that allow you to think. Injuring any of these parts may affect your ability to think or do daily activities.

If you have an injury such as a concussion, you may have two types of cognitive rehabilitation in your post-concussion care for a well-rounded recovery plan. The Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports says that concussion management options may include cognitive rehabilitation, CBT, aerobic exercise, and vestibular therapy, among other options, used together in the same plan.

Compensatory Rehabilitation

Brain injuries make daily life difficult. Compensatory rehabilitation will help you learn how to function while you recover. You’ll learn how to use everyday tools like smartphones and calendars to plan your life in a way that makes it easier for you to remember and carry out your tasks.

Restorative Rehabilitation

Restorative rehabilitation focuses on improving skills such as reading and multitasking. When combined with compensatory rehabilitation, you’ll get a well-rounded treatment plan that will help your brain recover quickly.

You’ll improve various through processes, including:

  • Communication, including reading, writing, and speaking
  • Cognitive functions like attention, memory, processing, reasoning, understanding
  • Judgment calls like decision-making and problem-solving
  • The ability to plan, organize, and multitask

Cognitive Rehabilitation Treats Neurological Conditions

Cognitive Rehabilitation Treats Neurological Conditions

Cognitive rehabilitation helps those recovering from a concussion, but it also aids other cognitive issues, including:

  • Diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, dementia, and aphasia
  • Conditions such as anxiety and depression
  • Disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, executive dysfunction, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Other conditions like autism, aneurysm, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis

Concussion Treatment

A seemingly minor knock to the head can cause concussions, so each case requires close symptom monitoring to prevent a bigger problem. Youth athletes often have concussions, so parents and coaches need to be familiar with rest and recovery protocols so the children can heal quickly. According to the Medical Clinics of North America, failure to appropriately address concussion management can result in long-term complications that could impair day-to-day life.

Proper concussion management includes removing the athlete from play immediately, treating symptoms, and following return-to-play guidelines. Symptom treatment includes physical and cognitive rest and limiting exposure to loud noises and bright lights.

Contact Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. Today

If you or your child needs to see a neurologist for post-concussion syndrome or other neurological concerns, call Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. today at (347) 602-9530.

We can provide you with a concussion management plan that will help you have a speedy recovery based on your needs. We also diagnose and treat other conditions such as headaches and migraines, sleep disorders, sciatica, seizures, and more.

Please call us before you arrive to find out if we have same-day appointments available or if we accept your insurance. We accept some commercial insurance, workers’ compensation, personal injury protection (PIP), and no-fault. Call to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Management Procedures for a Concussion?

Resting and avoiding physical activities are key parts of concussion recovery. Your doctor will give you a concussion management plan to suit your needs.

What Are Three Things Someone With a Concussion Should Do To Recover?

Recover from a concussion by resting, reducing bright lights and loud noises, and avoiding excessively reading books and watching TV during the first 48 hours.

What Does the ER Do for a Concussion?

The ER will give you a physical exam to check your nervous system, coordination, and reflexes. They will check your cognitive health by testing your memory.

About The Author

Picture of Ashwin Malhotra, M.D.

Ashwin Malhotra, M.D.

Ashwin Malhotra, M.D. is a highly respected neurologist based in New York City. With over 20 years of experience in the field of neurology, he has earned a reputation as a leading expert in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders and traumatic brain injuries. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Malhotra is also a dedicated educator and researcher. He has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed medical journals and has presented his research at national and international conferences.