Brain injury and corrections

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William B Lawson

University of Maryland, USA

: J Spine Neurosurg

Abstract

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Close head injuries have been recognized as an important public health and issues that in the past was ignored or minimized in some settings. In the United States combat veterans returning to the community often were unable to function effectively due to a spectrum of residue effects including frank neuropsychological impairment, attentional problems, irritability, and a host of executive function issues. More recently such issues have gotten publicity in the National Football League where veterans of the game retire with a host of neuropsychological consequences. Public awareness campaigns have led to various programs for screening and recognizing these individuals. Moreover various interventions have been introduced including the use of potential cognitive enhancing agents, educational and employment accommodation, peer support programs. A history of head injury is often found in individuals in the correctional system. Part of the problem may be related to the socioeconomic status of individuals in the system, but it may related to why people are incarcerated in the first place. Those with known mental disorders are overrepresented in the correctional system. It should not be a surprise that individuals with neuropsychological impairments would be over represented. We will present cases showing how unrecognized impairment may lead to more frequent incarcerations and failure to abide by rules of parole. We will discuss potential cognitive enhancing agents that may be effective and the use of odorants and nasal stimulation to improve function.

Biography

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