Four case reports illustrating the contribution of intensive cognitive rehabilitation in patients neuropsychologically handicapped as a result of brain damage.

Abstract

The authors describe the principles and functioning of a 7-week course of interdisciplinary treatment for small groups of patients with cognitive and behavioral difficulties resulting from brain damage. The programme is intended for patients with less severe physical disability. It outlines a programme of individual, practically oriented workshops and of more theoretical group sessions working on cognitive and communications handicaps. The work is based on conceptual explanations, coping strategies and training techniques. The neurological and neuropsychological consequences of four subjects accepted on such a programme are presented, as well as some of the principles of treatment used for these patients. The efficacy of such programmes is discussed, given the classical post-traumatic picture of brain-injured patients. The programme consists of 1 week of evaluation and 6 weeks of therapeutic sessions.