1994 BERROL,SHELDON, MD, SENIOR LECTURESHIP - THE PROBLEM OF LOST NORMALITY AFTER BRAIN INJURY

The significant losses in higher cerebral functioning caused by modera te to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) can leave patients frustrate d and confused. A central issue in working with these individuals is t o help them deal with the problem of lost normality. Impaired self-awa reness, as well as denial of disability, can contribute to this proble m. Helping individuals establish meaning in their life in the face of (not despite) their impairments has benefited some individuals. A brie f conceptualization of the problem of lost normality is presented, and the role of neuropsychological rehabilitation in dealing with this pr oblem is outlined.