BI Tools
Brain Injury Glossary
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Q
- Quadraparesis
- Partial loss of function all four extremities of the body.
- Quadriplegia
- Complete paralysis of all four limbs.
R
- Rage Attacks
- Violent anger in the form of physical and verbal abuse.
- Range of Motion (ROM)
- Refers to movement of a joint (important to prevent contractures).
- Reasoning, Abstract
- Mode of thinking in which the individual recognizes a phrase that has multiple meanings and selects the meaning most appropriate to a given situation. The term "abstract" typically refers to concepts not readily apparent from the physical attributes of an object or situation.
- Reasoning, Concrete
- The ability to understand the literal meaning of a phrase.
- Reasoning, Problem-Solving
- The ability to analyze information related to a given situation and generate appropriate response options. Problem-solving is a sequential process that typically proceeds as follows: identification of problem; generation of response options; evaluation of response option appropriateness; selection and testing of first option; analysis as to whether solution has been reached. A patient/client may discontinue making a cup of coffee because the sugar bowl is empty, even though sugar is readily available in a nearby cabinet. A patient/client may easily navigate his way into a room crowded with furniture, but request staff assistance to navigate his way out.
- Reasoning, Sequencing
- The ability to organize information or objects according to specified rules, or the ability to arrange information or objects in a logical, progressive manner. Nearly every activity, including work and leisure tasks, requires sequencing. For example, in cooking certain foods it is important that ingredients be added and mixed in a specified order; in dressing, undergarments must be put on prior to outer garments.
- Reciprocating Gait Orthosis (RGO)
- A type of long leg brace used for ambulation by paralyzed people. Uses cables across the back to transfer energy from leg to leg, thereby simulating a more natural gait.
- Recreation Therapist
- Individual within the facility responsible for developing a program to assist persons with disabilities plan and manage their leisure activities; may also schedule specific activities and coordinate the program with existing community resources.
- Reflex
- An involuntary response to a stimulus involving nerves not under control of the brain. In some types of paralysis, reflexes cannot be inhibited by the brain and they become exaggerated, thereby causing spasms.
- Reflux
- A return or backflow.
- Refractory
- A nerve or muscle that resists stimulation, or a condition that resists treatment.
- Regeneration
- In brain or spinal cord injury, regeneration is the regrowth of nerve fiber tissue by way of some as yet unknown biologic process. In the peripheral system, nerves do regenerate after damage, and reform functional connections. Regeneration researchers are confident central nerves can be induced to grow, provided the proper environment is created. The challenge remains to restore functional connections to effectively restore function.
- Rehabilitation
- Comprehensive program to reduce/overcome deficits following injury or illness, and to assist the individual to attain the optimal level of mental and physical ability.
- Rehabilitation Counselor
- Also called Vocational Counselor. A specialist in social and vocational issues who helps the patient develop the skills and aptitudes necessary for return to productive activity and the community.
- Rehabilitation Facility
- Agency of multiple, coordinated services designed to minimize for the individual the disabling effects of one's physical, mental, social, and/or vocational difficulties and to help realize individual potential.
- Rehabilitation Nurse
- A nurse specializing in rehabilitation techniques as well as basic nursing care. Nurses assist the patient and family in acquiring new information, developing skills, achieving competence and exhibiting behaviors that contribute to the attainment of a healthy state.
- Residential Services
- Assumes a 24-hour residential environment outside the home and includes 24-hour provision of or access to support personnel capable of meeting the client's needs.
- Respite Care
- A means for taking over the care of a person temporarily (for a few hours to a few days) to provide a period of relief for the primary caregiver.
- Retrograde Amnesia
- Inability to recall events that occurred prior to the accident; may be a specific span of time or type of information.
