Relevanz der Neuropsychologie für die Rehabilitation von Epilepsiepatienten

Abstract

A comprehensive interdisciplinary approach including medical treatment, neuropsychological and psychiatric assessment, occupational therapy, social work counselling and physical exercise is a prerequisite for effective rehabilitation in patients with epilepsy. In the face of high rates of unemployment and early disability in patients with epilepsy work (re-)integration is the main goal of rehabilitation. A literature review on the relevance of neuropsychological findings for vocational rehabilitation suggests that intelligence or other measures of general cognitive abilities seem to be closer related to employment status than specific deficits such as verbal memory. The main task of neuropsychology in rehabilitation is diagnosis and therapy of cognitive impairments. A professionally experienced interpretation of test results is crucial, especially with respect to functional relevance for work performance and further rehabilitation planning. A systematic overview of the functional implications of specific cognitive impairments and suggested interventions is given. Close collaboration of the different professions involved in rehabilitation interventions as found in our short-term inpatient rehabilitation unit is extremely helpful for a correct interpretation of test results and other findings of neuropsychological assessment.