Occupational Therapy

Frankly, all processes in the human body are orchestrated by the brain, which represents one of the most sophisticated structures in the universe. Over the course of human evolution, the brain of homo sapiens has developed into the phenomenon that makes us who we are – the humans. The uniqueness and complexity of the human brain continues to be a subject of ongoing research and speculation; however, there are still numerous questions and hypotheses behind the function of the brain. The brain is an intricate system, an organ, where each structure serves a specific function, which supports every aspect of human life. Every structure, no matter how small it is, carries out specific tasks that allow the brain, along with the entire body, to

As health care providers, occupational therapists must demonstrate a profound comprehension of the anatomy and physiology of the central and peripheral nervous systems and understand the effect of potential pathological processes on the individual’s occupational performance. For therapists who are involved in the treatment of the pediatric population, the familiarity with brain maturation processes, developmental stages, and milestones enables practitioners to recognize possible developmental delays and initiate timely intervention. Those therapists, who work in mental health, should clearly understand the devastating effects of disturbed reality that is associated with structural brain changes in both white and gray matter along with progressive ventricular enlargement in individuals with schizophrenia (DeLisi, Szulc, Bertisch, Majcher & Brown, 2006), or distorted body image of patients suffering from anorexia nervosa on an individual’s ability to participate in occupations of choice. Therapists that provide services to adults with different neurological conditions are required to know the etiology and pathogenesis of the specific disease to establish the most effective course of actions to provide alleviation of symptoms and assist with adaptation to the frequently chronic and progressive nature of neurological

It also governs the course of treatment and incorporation of appropriate therapeutic agents to maximize the outcome of treatment. For instance, utilization of strengthening activities for individuals with Guillain-Barre syndrome requires close monitoring to avoid overwork damage “because exercise of partially denervated muscle interferes with axonal regrowth” (Lundy-Ekman, 2018, p. 116). Also, the presence of right-sided paralysis along with expressive aphasia in patients with CVA indicates infarction or hemorrhage in the left hemisphere and involvement of center of Broca (motor center of speech) in pathological process. Patients with receptive aphasia are suffering from damage of brain tissue in the center of Wernicke, which is the sensory center of speech (Price, Seghier, & Leff, 2010). The incorporation of appropriate communication methods ensures effective therapeutic interaction with the patients and helps to avoid stigmatization of the patient with, for example, receptive aphasia as lethargic, uncooperative, or noncompliant with the treatment process. Thus, occupational therapists have to respect the vulnerability and fine balance of the brain’s structures, but at the same time must recognize the power of neuroplasticity when working with