Cognitive Rehabilitation to Remediate Attention and Memory in Patients with Complicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Series

Abstract Attention and memory deficits are frequently observed in individuals suffering from mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), particularly in those exhibiting neurostructural abnormalities, commonly referred to as complicated mild traumatic brain injury (C-MTBI). The present case series employed customized cognitive retraining interventions and compensatory techniques designed to enhance attention, memory, and activities of daily living (ADL) of C-MTBI patient. Scores on Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and neuroimaging abnormalities detected via computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to categorize the cases as C-MTBI. All four cases in the present case series were selected using purposive sampling technique. Cognitive dysfunction of the cases was evaluated utilizing the PGI Battery of Brain Dysfunction (PGI-BBD), while assessment of ADL was measured through the Hindi version of the Cognitive Symptom Checklist (CSC). Patients with C-MTBI underwent cognitive rehabilitation (CR) specifically tailored to address the unique requirements and characteristics of their nature of cognitive deficits. Cognitive retraining sessions were systematically organized on a biweekly basis, complemented by an additional weekly session focused on compensatory strategies, which were conducted face to face or through telephonic/video conferencing. All four cases completed CR sessions and after competition of the CR sessions, cognitive functions and ADL were reassessed using the PGI-BBD and CSC, respectively. The present case series highlights the effectiveness of CR program combining cognitive retraining and compensatory strategies in improving attention, memory, and ADLs of C-MTBI patients. All four cases demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive functioning and ADL measures following the CR program, supporting its applicability and therapeutic value.