TBI and Anger–What’s the Connection?

As severe as a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can be with all its ramifications there is one aspect and result that may be the most destructive. Much research has shown how anger and irritability is a result of TBI. In fact 2/3 of moderate or severe TBI can affect the management of stress and temper control. These are unmet needs and may persist or even worsen up to 10 years after the original occurrance. These flareups can affect family, social relationships, employment and reputation. They can even exclude the patient from treatment programs creating a vicious cycle of further isolation from support. If the symptoms are severe enough the physician may prescribe neuroleptics which can have side effects that by themselves limit recovery. Some of the remedies that have shown success for this anger and aggressive behavior are stress inoculation training and behavior modification. If the patient is suffering from limb immobility as a result of the TBI the frustration can add to his irritability therefore remedies for that should also be considered. One of the more successful systems for accomplishing that include the HANDTUTOR, ARMTUTOR, LEGTUTOR and 3DTUTOR. These are comfortable ergonomic gloves or braces that are attached to the affected limb and then to computers that contain exclusive and intensive exercises. The patient will use his own strength, rather than that of a robot or electric impulse, to maneuver through a series of challenging games. A physical therapist will adjust the exercises to the ability of the patient. The exercises are tailored to a range of motion, accuracy and speed of movement, cognitive function and isolated or combined movement ability. These safe and affordable physical therapy products are available for use by children as well as adults and can be used in the patient’s home through the use of telerehabilitation. The TUTOR system can be implemented, as well, to patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease, CP, MS, stroke and other upper and lower limb disabilities. They are currently in use in leading U.S. and European rehabilitation facilities and clinics. The HANDTUTOR, ARMTUTOR, LEGTUTOR and 3DTUTOR are fully certified by the FDA and CE. See WWW.MEDITOUCH.CO.IL for more information.