Susan
Brain Injury
Susan, 48, was found collapsed on the floor complaining of
headache and in a confused state. Following a lumbar puncture at
Addenbrookes Hospital she was diagnosed with herpes simplex
encephalitis.
She was subsequently transferred to PiC Brain Injury Services,
Grafton Manor, Northamptonshire. Her processing of information was
markedly slow; she had word finding problems and there were lapses
in her speech while she “searched” for the correct word.
Susan’s encephalitis resulted in cognitive and behavioural
deficits including hyperactivity, dysphasia, confusion, poor
decision making and agitation. She presented with marked neglect of
self-care, was unable to initiate tasks, resistive to eating and
displayed demand avoidance behaviour.
The multidisciplinary treatment at Grafton Manor introduced a
structured morning hygiene routine, eating procedures were put in
place and Susan followed a behavioural incentive programme.
She attended speech and language sessions which helped her
maintain effective and consistent communication with her family.
Domestic skills sessions to promote initiation of tasks, reduce
demand avoidance behaviour, promote sequencing of tasks and
decision making were also maintained.
Susan was soon granted home leave and her family were encouraged
to adopt meal “set-up” to help her with decision making and
re-development on independence.
Susan became independent with her daily shower routine and
eating all meals and was eventually discharged with a care
package.