The Brain
The brain is about the size of a small cauliflower and it resembles a cauliflower in appearance. But that’s about where the similarities end.
The brain is a uniquely complex structure that controls, in various ways, all of the physical and mental functions of human beings. Although its workings were mysterious for centuries, much has become better understood by scientists, especially those in the medical field. But there is much more to learn. The multidisciplinary team at NeuLife is continually “raising the bar” when it comes to providing specialized rehabilitation for those who suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI) or present with difficult and challenging diagnoses.
Because of its importance, the brain is well protected. It is surrounded by the visible hard surface of the skull, that acts as a kind or armor to protect it from exterior blows. Below the skull are meninges that protect the brain from direct contact with the inside of the skull. Another layer of cushion is provided by cerebro-spinal fluid.
If you looked at the brain from above, you would see what looks essentially like a solid structure. While it may look like a single unit, the brain is really composed of two distinct “hemispheres,” one on the right and one on the left. And while the brain may appear to be solid, it is really more jelly-like in texture.
Contrary to logic, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or mild brain injury (MBI) to one hemisphere will affect function on the other side of the body. This is because the control mechanisms of the hemispheres are crossed, so that a right-side brain injury will affect left-side function, and a left-side brain injury will affect right-side function. Stated otherwise, each hemisphere is a mirror image of the other. This is because, if the brain were laid out flat, it would be too big to fit within the skull. Therefore, it is, in effect, folded so that it does fit. A rough analogy might be that of a pizza that someone tries to put in too small of a box. In order to fit, it has to be folded.
Each hemisphere has four main areas visible on its surface, called “lobes.” They are, respectively, the frontal lobe, the parietal lobe, the temporal lobe and the occipital lobe. There is also a fifth set of lobes that are not visible from the surface of the brain because they are deep within its structure. They are called the limbic lobes and can be seen if the brain were divided into right and left halves by radiography or by surgery. Each set of lobes controls different aspects of physical or mental functioning. Therefore, depending upon the injured area of the brain, different physical or mental abilities will be affected. The innovative care and therapies available at NeuLife are specifically geared to client needs to ensure optimum results.
Proper and timely post-acute rehabilitation and care that may determine the difference between disability and independence is what NeuLife refers to as the “platinum post-acute period”— the crucial window following acute care that is needed to nurture the whole person to health with specialized, clinically relevant services.
NeuLife’s philosophy is that healing, wellness and personal fulfillment are best accomplished in a positive and uplifting therapeutic environment where caring staff encourage, assist and support each client so that he or she may achieve specific goals. NeuLife believes personal fulfillment is equally as important as goals to increase function and independence. NeuLife’s multidisciplinary team seeks to achieve, for all of its clients, maximized, sustained outcomes that exceed the expectations of all persons served. Those referred to NeuLife may stay for any established period of time, whether for short-term, long-term or respite care.
NeuLife, in Mount Dora, Florida, is a fully accessible specialized residential post-acute program providing specialized rehabilitation to individuals diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic amputations and other catastrophic injuries.
2725 Robie Avenue
Mount Dora, Florida 32757
Call: 800.626.3836
Email: [email protected]
Visit: NeuLifeRehab.com
