A case study where memory disorder became obvious after disturbance of consciousness

Treatment using a hierarchical model

Abstract

Some rehabilitative approaches were taken toward a male patient in his 40's by following the processes of cognitive dysfunction as a form of information-processing. He had been found, after an operation for craniopharingioma, to have a disturbance of consciousness. He was then found to suffer from disturbed attention, poor memory, and other cognitive dysfunctions after disturbance of consciousness had improved. A memory notebook as an external assistant-means was introduced in addition to some direct approaches to amnesia. The introduction of the memory notebook was difficult because the patient was not fully aware of his amnesia, and therefore some other approaches were taken in line with the concept of awareness. As a result, some improvements were found in WMS-R and other evaluations. Intellectual awareness was also obtained, and the patient could check his memory notebook voluntarily. Because the approaches were made using a hierarchical model, it was easier to understand the actual status and stages in this case history, and rehabilitation interventions were conducted smoothly.