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CHAT WITH PAT
Answers to your personal questions from someone who
cares........ 
DEAR PAT: Can a neuropsychiatrist critique the report of a
neuropsychologist for a person who has suffered TBI ?
PAT'S RESPONSE:Yes. Neuropsychiatrists and neuropsychologists
specialize in critiquing each other. What you need to keep in mind is the
distinction between the two professions.
A neuropsychiatrist is a Medical Doctor (M.D.) who specializes in
psychiatry for people with neurological dysfunction. The neuropsychiatrist
is knowledgeable about human anatomy (e.g., the physical make-up of the
brain) and human behavior. He/she conducts brief counseling or interview
sessions with the patient, makes use of medical information on the patient’s
condition, and dispenses medication to treat his/her patients.
A neuropsychologist is a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), a
specialized psychologist who evaluates and treats people with neurological
dysfunction. Neuropsychologists do not dispense medication, but instead
conduct extensive testing and counseling. Neuropsychologists look at how
brain injury affects a person’s behavior through the use of written tests,
"performance" tests, and interview/discussion sessions.
The neuropsychiatrist offers a medical background, while the
neuropsychologist offers testing, assessment, and counseling expertise. In
the best of all words, these two professionals compliment each other,
healing humanity together.
DEAR
PAT: Pat, help! I need an expert witness to reconstruct my car accident --
someone who can testify that someone who does not hit his/her head can still
have a brain injury. What leading experts do you know?
PAT'S RESPONSE:Pat knows everyone who is anyone. In fact, if you are
not a close personal friend of Pat’s, then it’s time to take a good look at
your social circle. To find someone to provide "expert testimony" in your
case, you must begin by hiring an attorney who is experienced handling brain
injury cases. Such an attorney will know which professionals to call as
expert witnesses in your case. For example, your attorney should know and be
prepared to call a neuropsychologist who is experienced in treating people
with mild brain injuries. This expert witness will have credibility in court
and be able to explain how someone could sustain a brain injury without
hitting his/her head on the windshield. If you need an attorney referral,
contact your state Brain Injury Association, Bar Association, attorney
referral service, or the "Directory of Experts" on the National Resource
Center for TBI.
DEAR PAT: Hi, Pat. I'm 40 years old and I can't
remember the names of my family members. I have a heck of a time lifting my left
knee and taking my right elbow down to my left knee at the same time. Thanks,
Braindead.
PAT'S RESPONSE: And when you look at an ink blot do you see:
a) Dennis Rodman doing the Macarena?
b) An elephant in a bathtub full of jello?
c) Dennis Rodman and an elephant in a bathtub full of jello?
Regarding your inability to recall the names of family members, consider
keeping a list with a photograph of each person and his or her name written
beside it. "Quiz" yourself by looking through family photo albums and naming
individuals. "Mnemonic devices" also can be useful. To commit a person’s
name to memory, make up a little rhyme; connect the name with a memorable
thought. For example, Aunt Mable fell under the table. In your mind, connect
Mable with table and you may be more likely to remember it.
And, don’t do that knee-to-elbow thing.
DEAR
PAT:Pat, help me understand my friend who was involved in an auto accident,
has several broken bones, a tracheotomy (done at the scene), has been
hospitalized for 7 days, has swelling of the brain which has been drained.
Doctors are not saying or doing much until the swelling goes down. I guess he is
on a breathing apparatus; he is not awake; he is in a coma. Do swelling and
blood clots in the brain mean severe brain damage? Can a brain scan be performed
on a swollen brain?
PAT'S RESPONSE: The first days following a serious brain injury are
difficult for all involved: family and friends struggle with shock, hope,
fear of the unknown, and doctors also struggle with the impossibility of
predicting outcome. Tests can be performed on the damaged brain to assess
its condition (e.g., CT scan, MRI); however, a sound diagnosis is too much
to ask for in the early stage of trauma. Your friend’s injury sounds severe
as you describe it. Technically, an injury that results in a coma or a
period of unconsciousness that lasts more than 24 hours can be classified as
severe (versus mild). For more information on severe brain injury, coma, and
outcome, please take a look at the FAQ’s on this Internet site and consult
your state Brain Injury Association. Several complex factors will determine
your friend’s outcome. What you can do is be there for him; your presence
and support will help more than you may think.
ANONYMOUS COMMENT: Pat For President!
PAT'S RESPONSE: Thank you.
More of your questions answered in Pat’s next column. Stay tuned.
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