Thursday, August 23, 2012

The Therapeutic Benefits of Music for Those With Brain Injuries

Studies have shown that music can promote new neural connections for those with brain injuries. As well, music has been proven to trigger memories possibly assisting with memory loss as well as cognitive and physical functions.

For help in overcoming such syumptoms as short term memory loss and impaired decision making skills, music is being considered as a therapy for those with brain injuries. Some therapists are introducing neurological music therapy to their patients because studies indicate that music can promote new neural connections.

Music assists with speech and language skills, physical functioning and social interaction. Because music is a whole brain function, it can affect emotional well-being and assist with motor skills such as learning to walk again or in using fine motor skill development to manipulate small objects. Music offers an opportunity for those suffering from brain injuries or strokes to relate to others. It can increase confidence and self-esteem as well as help to reuild self-identity.

. Therapy includes listening to familiar music, relating to the rhythm and tempo, singing songs or playing an instrument such as the drums. Music therapy is used in a clinical setting by a qualified therapist to stimulate brain functions, encourage social interaction, emotional and cognitive requirements and to rehabilitate speech and language disabilities.

Music therapy is believed by many to improve the quality of life. Studies indicate that rhythmic auditory stimulation will help with movement, musical improvisation is good for emotional expression, and singing can assist with speech. Listening to music is believed to be a benefit in controlling pain and in increasing auditory processing. It is also believed that music therapy will help prevent depression as well which is often a serious symptom of brain injuries.

In many of these therapy sessions traumatic brain injury patients each have a drum and match rhythms and tempo set by the instructor. Studies of music therapy have indicated that there have been improvements that when used have also been instrumental in relieving frustrations for those sufferers who have exhibited displays of violence as one of the symptoms following a head injury.

Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who suffered a brain injury from a sniper's bullet, was given music therapy. This therapy has been credited with her ability to speak again by training her brain to use a less traveled pathway. The ability of the brain to be able to do this is called neuroplasticity. It is believed that few other things activate the brain as extensively as music.

Music therapy helps to promote new pathways in the brain (called neuroplasticity) thereby creating new neural connections which in turn increase the brain's ability to heal. Studies indicate that music is a great step towards brain injury recovery.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

New Drug May Treat Brain Injuries, MS, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's

Studies indicate that a new drug recently tested may reduce or prevent neurological damage. It is expected that it will protect users against cognitive impairments.

The new drug, MW151 and MW189, is expected to reduce inflammation in the brain. Neuroinflammation is increasingly believed to play a major role in the diseases of Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and dementia as well as brain injuries and strokes. Besides preventing the development of these neurological diseases, it is believed it will reduce the neurological damage caused by closed head traumatic injuries and strokes especially if introduced within a certain time period.

These two drugs are believed to prevent the damaging overproduction of brain proteins which contribute to the development of degenerative neurological diseases as well as the neurological damage caused by brain injuries and strokes. It is believed that it will protect against the damage associated with learning and memory deficiencies as well as other cognitive impairments.

The therapy time window, however, is considered critical. A study indicated the best time for the drug to be given someone with a brain injury or stroke is three to six hours following the injury. By doing so, it could possibly prevent future problems such as cognitive impairments or the risk of epileptic seizures.

Studies indicate that by giving the drug, a pill taken orally, before symptoms become readily apparent, in the case of Alzheimer's Parkinson's or Multiple Sclerosis, may be a promising therapeutic strategy for these neurodegenerative diseases. It is considered to be a preventative drug when given during the early stages of a neurological disease before the disease progresses. If taken in the early to middle stages, it will help to reduce inflammation.

The first human Phase I climical trial has been done on the drug and it has been found to be safe in humans. Researchers are now waiting for funding in order to begin further clinical trials. Those working with the drug feel that it will best be used in combination with current therapies targeting neurodegenerative disorders, brain injuries and strokes.

The body has proven itself to have great repair mechanisms if given a chance. If a pill can control, prevent or reduce cognitive impairments, then the body has a chance to rebuild itself. This healing process can be done when obstacles have been removed from the body and mind. But it can also heal with determination and sometimes just because that's what the body does. But with neurodegenerative diseases, etc. extra help with this drug will go a long way in warding off these debilitating diseases and eliminating the devastating results of head injuries.

It is believed that this drug will help many people in their fight against these neurodegenerative diseases, brain injury and strokes saving many sufferers and families from hopelessness and despair.

Monday, August 6, 2012

The Importance of Adequate Care for Those With Brain Injuries

For those who have had a brain injury, life becomes a challenge. It is imperative for those who have suffered a brain injury to receive adequate care because sustaining such an injury will increase the challenges they will face throughout their lifetime. A brain injury can lead to the development of neurodegenerative and neuroendocrine disorders. And because of the limitations they will face day-to-day, psychological treatment will likely be an advantage, if not necessary also. In the case of a broken leg, you know it will repair itself in about six to eight weeks but there is no predictable end in sight for those who have suffered from brain injuries.

Doctors and therapists can encourage the brain's plasticity with proper therapy which will encourage the growth of new brain cells. Only stimuli that encourages adaptive functions should be used, therefore a structured rehabilitation environment is important. As patients improve so too will the intensity of the therapy increase. One example of learning correct adaptive behaviors is a patient learning to walk again but who may occasionally lose his balance. It will be necessary for them to learn appropriate reflex actions so as not to hurt themselves when their balance is precarious. For these reasons, specialized rehabilitation settings usually lead to better results.

Many brain injury survivors unfortunately, don't receive adequate care following their injury either because it is not available in their area, they are unable to afford the care or do not have medical coverage, they adamantly refuse further specialized therapy, or they have not been diagnosed as requiring specialized therapies. This is particularly true of the thousands of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. For them, in some cases it is because Veterans Affairs officials have not determined their diagnosis. However, even following diagnosis, there has been little follow-up for reasons such as computer glitches, insufficient staffing and disorganization.

In many cases, brain injury sufferers not receiving adequate and appropriate care will endure a lifetime of frustration and challenges, not only for themselves but for their families as well. It could also mean a high cost in human life when violence is a result of brain injury, as well as a heavy financial burden to not only the family but to the community as well. Continuing depression and the possibility of suicide are also results of inadequate follow-up care for those with brain injuries.

Lack of adequate medical care and rehabilitation can also possibly lead to higher levels of medical complications, permanent disability, family dysfunction, job loss, homelessness, impoverishment, involvement with crime, drug and alcohol abuse, psychiatric disorders and lost productivity. It can also minimize social interaction within the community.

For those whose family members have sustained a brain injury, fighting to obtain adequate follow-up care for your loved one will ensure a better quality of life for them and for yourself.