The editors of this book present rehabilitation
after brain injury in the context of a model labeled the
“neurologic rehabilitation model”. The model
is based on a careful functional diagnosis in the context
of neurological syndromes, on prognosis, and on treatment
planning. The importance of functional diagnosis cannot
be emphasized enough. It constitutes a base of treatment
planning and prognosis and I was very happy to read a textbook
using functional diagnosis. Unfortunately, I got somewhat
confused. From my point of view as a neuropsychologist,
functional descriptions are mixed with terms of localizing
value. The authors have chosen an uncommon way to present
focal cognitive, emotional, or executive disturbances within
the context of different etiologies, e.g., Wernicke's
aphasia and neglect are presented as specific stroke syndromes.
They very often are, but certainly not always. Specific
neurological deficits are presented with regard to prognosis
and likelihood for impairment. Treatment studies are reviewed.
The neurologic rehabilitation model treats deficits in
an “egalitarian way,” mixing sensory, motor,
and cognitive problems.