Citation

Alderman N, Davies JA, Jones C, McDonnel P. Brain Inj. 1999; 13(9): 669-704.

Affiliation

The Kemsley Division, St Andrew's Hospital, Northampton, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10507451

Abstract

Challenging behaviour, especially when this takes the form of aggression, may impede or prevent progress in neurorehabilitation. Despite its prevalence, the literature on management of aggression after brain injury is not extensive. It has been suggested that the 'Overt Aggression Scale-Modified for Neurorehabilitation' (OAS-MNR) could be used to help standardize future studies of aggressive behaviour. It was also suggested that this scale has sufficient properties to be useful in clinical work. In this paper, three case studies are described which attempt to illustrate the potential value of the OAS-MNR in neurorehabilitation. The use of the scale also provides evidence relating to the continued efficacy of the neurobehavioural model. In the first study, two cases are described in which reduction in aggression occurred through participation in individualized, needs-led holistic treatment programmes, which incorporated multiple interventions. These were based on neurobehavioural principles. In the second study, a further single case was presented which illustrated how the scale may be used to generate hypotheses regarding aggressive behaviour and to drive treatment. Causation and maintenance of aggression are discussed, especially with regard to cognitive impairment. Finally, practical points relating to the use of the OAS-MNR in clinical practice are reviewed.

Language: en