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Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: PM&R

The Medical Specialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

A physiatrist (physical medicine and rehabilitation physician) treats disorders of the muscles, bones, and nervous system, and may practice in inpatient or outpatient settings. Physiatrists usually provide care with other rehabilitation providers such as physical, occupational, and speech therapists, and may work in teams for patients with catastrophic injuries or complex disorders, especially in rehabilitation hospitals.

brain and sleep

Rest Assured: Quality Sleep Supports Recovery From Brain Injury

Sleep disturbances are common after brain injury and require comprehensive evaluation and management. Other sleep disorders such as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness are common. Some patients with brain injuries develop sleep apnea, and screening for this disorder is important because of the risk of hypoxia and strokes that lead to additional brain injury.

Dr. Elizabeth Sandel showing brain parts

Brain Injury Medicine: My Journey

Brain injury medicine requires additional training for neurologists, physiatrists, and psychiatrists to become board certified. The field is growing but a shortage of physicians with this specialized training is a challenge for patients to find expert care.

Pair of combat boots and military helmet on wooden background, close up

TBI in Active Military and Veterans

Military blast injuries can impact the brain, the lungs, the heart, and other organs in the body. Early diagnosis is very important. Dr. Sandel discusses brain injuries in the military with physiatrist Dr. Hetal Lakhani and her patient, Richard Reeves.

PTSD

Veterans Can Face Both a Brain Injury and PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder can co-occur with a brain injury in military and civilian populations. Screening tests for PTSD should be used for any patient with a brain injury or suspected concussion. Symptoms for these two conditions can overlap, but all symptoms require management regardless of cause.

Therapist working with young soldier with PTSD

Cognitive Deficits In Veterans After Brain Injury

Cognitive deficits experienced by military personnel and others can be successfully treated with cognitive therapies.

Solider sitting on sofa during therapy

The Emotional Consequences of Brain Injuries in Military Personnel

Military servicemen and servicewomen need early neurologic and psychiatric evaluations and comprehensive treatment after a traumatic brain injury.

Army tokens on military uniform

A Veteran Talks About his Brain Injuries and Care at the VA

A veteran talks about his experiences with several concussions, and his successful treatment with cognitive and group therapies at the Veterans Administration program in Martinez, California.

Pair of combat boots and military helmet on wooden background, close up

Military Blast Injuries Can Injure More than the Brain

Military blast injuries can impact the brain, the lungs, the heart, and other organs in the body. Early diagnosis is very important.

Front line of football players holding football

Brain Injury Research — Still Lacking in the 21st Century

There are many unanswered research questions about concussion diagnosis, pathophysiology, risk factors, and effective treatments. About 50 are included here to emphasize the fact that we still need a lot more research in brain injury medicine for advances in diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract brain divided into pieces

What’s It Like to Have a Brain Injury?

Stories of people who experience a traumatic brain injury can help to support and educate others. Seth had a protracted recovery, but ultimately a good one. (2 parts)

Person using pencil to fill in answer on exam

What Effect Does Concussion Have on Learning?

Stories of athletes like Brittany who experience concussions or more severe brain injuries can help to educate others. She did get back on track.

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