慢性期の高次脳機能障害と社会による支援

Social Support for Patients with Higher Brain Dysfunction in the Chronic Phase

Point

・地域には高次脳機能障害に対するさまざまな社会的支援がある．行政の窓口と連携して支援を提供する．

・家族会・当事者会も大きな支援となる．

・脳神経外科医が社会的支援をどれくらい知り，どのように関わるかは，今後の課題である．

　Higher brain dysfunction inhibits social rehabilitation in patients with stroke or brain injuries. First, magnetic resonance imaging should be performed in the acute phase to predict higher brain dysfunction in the chronic phase. Second, patients' complaints should be carefully considered. Vocational rehabilitation is provided after medical rehabilitation from various sources. Information for social support is provided. The homepage of the National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities is a resource for such information. We plan vocational rehabilitation for such patients. We provide medical certificates, such as that required to file for disability pension, because economical support is crucial. Peer support should also be provided to patients and their families. Recovery from higher brain dysfunction occurs gradually over a prolonged period. Therefore, patients should be offered continuing treatment on an outpatient basis in the chronic phase.