ABSTRACT
A 22 year old male presented with symptoms of fast-escalating cognitive degeneration and behavioral impairment after a period of clinical recovery post severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Neuroimaging found extensive mild-moderate cortico-cerebral atrophy not really corresponding to his primary TBI lesions. A diagnosis of dementia [ICD F02.8] was made and patient was treated accordingly, in conjunction with Neurology services, with emphasis on neuro-cognitive rehabilitation. Extensive testing could not find any other likely causes for this condition, which was then postulated to be generalized secondary post-TBI neurodegenerative changes. His symptoms are currently improved and stabilized with ongoing maintenance-phase management, but as this condition is not reversible – this case report discusses likely etiopathological processes and corresponding management options (both presently available and those likely to become so in near future) to be aware of.
ABSTRACT
A four and a half year old young boy with ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) was brought bysocial worker as a case of child abuse, as he was being sedated by his infirm grandfather, using alcohol, tocontrol hyperactivity. The child underwent deaddiction, treated for hyperactivity and enrolled into variousactivities. Grandfather was also extended therapeutic services. Caregiver was changed and case wasmonitored by social worker. Family was extensively given psycho education, especially regarding childabuse. Discussion of this unusual case is chiefly on ADHD, caregiver burnout, substance abuse and of coursechild abuse – its current state of under-recognition in India, detection and management.
ABSTRACT
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) rarely are brought to clinical notice in geriatric population. This case isof a 64 years old gentleman with high-functioning ASD (diagnosed as Asperger’s Syndrome) presenting forsocial/ communication deficits affecting his personal life and career, resulting in depression and substanceabuse. His family was skeptical about his symptoms. He was successfully treated for depression andsubstance abuse; CBT, psychoeducation, individual therapy, social skills training were done to help himcope with his ASD symptoms. Family therapy was done to improve the family’s understanding of ASD andbonding with him. After 1 year of treatment, he is thriving in all aspects – better family relations, careermanagement and personal emotional well-being. This opens up a discussion regarding undiagnosed ASD inolder adults and elderly, comorbidities, the resulting community mental health burden which goes neglected,and therefore the need for more vigilant detection, and treatment options.