Neurobehavior Treatment

Behavior issues are often a complex and heart-rending reality when someone endures a brain injury. It touches all aspects of a patient’s recovery and re-entry into the community. Without treatment, problems worsen for the patient. Self-medication, substance abuse, legal trouble, and public safety issues may impact the family and loved ones. Predictable behavior is one of the most meaningful milestones they hope for as the patient recovers.

Centre for Neuro Skills has treated thousands of people whose brain injury deficits include behavior challenges. Working in concert with each patient’s team of therapists, physicians, and case managers, behavior analysts are constantly updated on patient progress. They meet weekly with these collaborators, updating the team on goals, medications, and concerns.

Staff in both the clinic and residential locations are trained in behavior skills, crisis prevention and management, and implementation of behavioral programming. Board certified behavior analysts guide and develop treatment for the most severe post-injury complications:

• Physical and verbal aggression
• Self-injurious behavior
• Lack of initiation and non-compliance
• Inappropriate social behavior
• Sexual disinhibition
• Property destruction
• Escape and elopement
• Bowel and bladder training

To track progress, patient improvement (including behavior data) is collected daily in clinical therapy and using the Independent Living Scale (ILS), a clinical tool that measures life skills such as self-care, safety practices, and hygiene. This data is then used to determine patient need and resources required post discharge, which helps insurers, families, employers, and attorneys to make key decisions.

Medication and Behavior Problems

Many patients experience anxiety, depression, and anger as the result of injury, and are prescribed pharmaceuticals that help to stabilize behavior problems. While medications may be effective initially for emotional balance, the emphasis at CNS is to limit medication dependency and focus on building stability. Physicians monitor behavior and medication management to ensure the most effective strategy for each patient.

A Model for Treatment

Since its inception, CNS clinicians have presented at international neurobehavior conferences. Their research has been presented at the California Association for Behavior Analysts and the Association for Behavior Analysis International. Clinicians worldwide have benefited from program development guidance provided by CNS. Comprehensive treatment, data analysis, team integration, and individualized treatment are the core of CNS’ expertise and successful outcomes. Reducing disability and increasing behavior capabilities has helped patients return to dignity and lead meaningful lives post injury.