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 Neurologist
Physiatrist
Neuropsycholgist
Urologist
Pulmonary Therapists
Psychiatrist
Psychologist
Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Speech Therapists
Cognitive Therapists
Vocational Therapists
Social Workers
Case
Manager
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Caregivers
Those that suffer from a brain or spinal cord
injury will have a multitude of doctors, therapists, and care givers
that they will come in contact with and be treated by. It is
important for the injured and their families to know something about
what kind of people will be needed for their recovery and each
person's role in their recovery. When ever possible all of the
doctors, therapists, and other caregivers should direct treatment
and rehabilitation in a team oriented setting. There should be
constant communication between all those involved on where they are,
where they are going, and all decisions be made as a team. The
following is a list of doctors, therapists, and caregivers that the
injured may come in contact with.
 Neurologist
Specializes in
the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system
(brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles). A neurologist makes an
initial evaluation, diagnoses the injury, and consults on the
immediate care of the patient.
Physiatrist
Specializes in
physical medicine and rehabilitation. A physiatrist focus is on
restoring optimal function to those with injuries to muscles, bones,
tissue, and nervous system. These doctors are trained in both
neurology and orthopedics.
Neuropsychologist
Specializes
in evaluating brain function. They perform sophisticated tests of
brain function in order to identify specific injuries and
rehabilitation for those injuries.
Urologist
Specializes in the
function, treatment, and surgery of the urinary tract (kidneys,
ureters, and bladder).
Pulmonary Therapists
Specializes in the respiratory system. They monitor patient
breathing and maintain a ventilator employed to insure clear
airways.
Psychiatrist
Specializes in
the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral abnormalities that will
develop due to coping with the injury and the resultant state.
Psychologist
Specializes in the
study of the science of the human soul, the study of the mind, or
the conscious self.
Physical Therapists
Specializes in
using exercise and physical activities to condition muscles and
improve the level of activity. They focus on restoring motor
function, strengthening muscles, improving coordination, balance,
endurance and the movement of joints.
Occupational Therapists
Specialize in
providing rehabilitation skills to help improve the motor skills of
the patient. This includes the ability to perform daily living
activities (bathing, dressing, toileting, getting in and out of a
chair or bed, voluntary bowel and bladder functions, and eating).
Speech Pathologists
Specializes in
the diagnosis and treatment of those with communication problems.
They teach speech, writing, reading and expression skills involved
in comprehension and communication.
Cognitive Therapists
Specialize in
teaching patients how to interpret situations that will determine
how the person feels, behaves, and learns. The idea is to help
survivors identify techniques to improve their ability to remember.
Vocational Rehabilitation Therapist
Specializes in identifying skills, and abilities that will help
introduce the patient back into a working environment. An initial
evaluation is used to determine the patients ability to learn, make
decisions, follow instructions, and cope with stress. This is then
used to help create an individualized program for a smooth reentry
into the workforce.
Educational therapist- specializes in helping
the patient have a smooth transition back into the school setting,
including developing a specialized educational format that will help
develop specific skills the patient needs.
Social Workers
Provides the
connection between between all the different facets involved in the
treatment, recovery, rehabilitation, and reentry into society of the
patient. These facets include the doctors treating the injury, all
rehabilitation therapists, family, school/work, and any law and
insurance personnel involved. They provide a background study of the
injured before the accident took place, delving into the patient's
personality, lifestyle, emotional behavior, past relationships,
education and work history, special interests, and financial
background. This study is considered one of the most important
documents used in the rehabilitation process. In most instances the
relationship between the social worker, the patient, and his/her
family is extremely important, with the social worker being in
constant communication with them throughout the rehabilitation
process. The social worker will also provide key information to any
legal representation the injured may have.
Case Manager (Rehabilitation Specialist)
Oversees the overall treatment and rehaboitaion processes and
ensures that the goals of the patient and the patient's family are
congruent with that of the rehabilitation staff. In most cases the
case manager will communicate with the insurance company for funding
support.
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Brain and Spine
Injury Attorneys
San Diego Office
12555 High
Bluff Dr.
Suite 215
San Diego, CA 92130
New York Office
158 E. 35th St.
New York, NY 10016
Call Toll Free:
(800) 617-2622
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www.zalkin.com
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