Occupational therapist working within neurological rehab? A forum to explore assessment and intervention recommendations!
Dear all,
I have largely worked within brain injury and neurorehabilitation since 2020 and find this specialism fascinating. Neurology is a complex, challenging - but highly interesting and rewarding - area of practice. There is constantly something new to learn and I know practitioners around the world have valuable insights to share. So I am keen for OTs to contribute to this knowledge bank - particularly if you work with any of the following:
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Anoxic brain injury
Brain tumour
Complex stroke
Spinal cord injury (SCI)
Infection (e.g. encephalitis)
Congenital or progressive neurological conditions
All ideas and suggestions are welcome, including:
Motor, sensory, visual or cognitive assessments
Structured upper limb programmes
Tried-and-tested outcome measurement
Relevant research and general reading recommendations
With a person-centred approach, clearly no one assessment, intervention or outcome measure fits all. But what has worked well in your practice experience?
N.B. Be mindful of patient confidentiality
Love OT . Worked as a an OTA State Hospital Mental Health Provider, (1993.-2002) . as well as many other areas such as Easter Seals, In patient hospital , group homes My education was provided by the best OT Instructors - they taught us more/ above what was required/ educational experiences fieldwork! Best tumes un my kife as an older 30 yr old qst time college / as a single parent!! And my favorite courses were rehan/neurology. Then ironicly, I sustained a SCI at age 53...c5-c7 incimplete SCI / freak Accident! I was beginning another OTA position in nursing home Physical ADL'S therapy, and made it only 4 days before i collapsed on the job! Apparently when i initially stubbed/ broke my left little toe, and rather than just fall down, i struggled to remain upright and 'whipplashed my neck/head. Not discovered for 3 months when i needed emergency surgery March of 2011!!! So I try to look at now having real lufe neuro training/experiences bc had i not been OTA Trained/ Educated, I wouldnt have known what i was up against in needing to keep moving every body part i could. The information told to me, " dont expect youll ever walk again!" Thats all i kept hearing, and i tokd the drs and nurses, No not me! Im an OT provider, i have to finish my lifes work! And I did@ thos time itcwas/still is, for me!!!