Training in Goal-directed Attention Regulation for Individuals With Brain Injury

Plasticity in Brain Network to Enhance Cognitive Rehabilitation

Brain injuries affect the lives of numerous Veterans. This study examines how the brain is affected by injury and how rehabilitation training for attention dysfunction may change brain functioning.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a leading cause of long-term disability among combat Veterans. The most common and persistent sequelae after TBI are cognitive-behavioral deficits in 'executive control' and 'attention' functions. Such abnormalities may directly contribute to poor long-term outcomes as well as impede rehabilitation of dysfunction in other cognitive and motor domains. Effective treatments would potentially make a major impact in improving functional outcomes, but consistently effective treatments are not available. The overall goal of this research is to improve the investigators' understanding of plasticity in brain function after TBI and to develop improved cognitive neurorehabilitation treatments. The intervention involves individual and group-based training in cognitive skills.

Inclusion Criteria:

• history of traumatic brain injury
• greater than 1 week from injury
• residual dysfunction related to attention and executive control

Exclusion Criteria:

• aphasia
• active illicit drug use
• severe depression
• contraindications to MRI scanning