Hesham Elnazer

Title : Quantification of severity of brain injury and Its implications on personality change and long-term outcome

Abstract:

The presentation titled "Quantification of Severity of Brain Injury and Its Implications on Personality Change and Long-Term Outcome" discusses the assessment of brain injury severity, as well as the challenges associated with long-term outcome prediction and management of post-injury personality changes. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Mayo classification are commonly used in clinical practice to document brain injury severity, but they have limitations as predictors of long-term outcomes. Acute behavioural disturbances, such as aggression and impulsivity, are often seen in individuals with moderate to severe brain injuries, with frontal and temporal damage being the most significant risk factors. Such disturbances can persist over time, affecting cognitive and emotional functioning, and often cause the most significant issues for family members. The personality changes following brain injury, known as the frontal lobe syndrome, have been associated with damage to the orbitofrontal cortex and are prevalent in individuals with frontal lobe injuries. However, similar changes can be observed in up to 30% of those with other types of brain injuries. Pharmacological interventions should be used with caution, as they can have unpredictable adverse effects, and monitoring is required to balance the potential benefits against potential adverse effects. Effective management of post-injury personality changes requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes specialist neurorehabilitation, support from family and friends, and care from other professionals. The challenges faced by clinicians and researchers in managing brain injury and its long-term consequences are significant, and emphasise the importance of a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation and care. Overall, this presentation highlights the need for ongoing research to improve our understanding of the long-term effects of brain injury, as well as the development of effective treatments and rehabilitation strategies to support those affected by this condition.

Biography:

Dr Hesham Y Elnazer is an experienced Neuropsychiatrist who has worked in various regional and national centres of excellence, including the National Centre for Brain Injury Rehabilitation, St. Andrew's Hospital, St. George's Hospital in London, and the University Hospital of Southampton. He is a holistic psychiatrist who utilizes biological, social, behavioural, and psychological models of therapy. Dr Elnazer holds numerous qualifications, including an MD from the University of Southampton, a Certificate of Clinical Psychopharmacology from the British Association for Psychopharmacology, and a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) from the General Medical Council. He is affiliated with the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the European Behavioural Pharmacology Society. Dr Elnazer has been actively involved in national and international projects and is a senior clinical lecturer at the Brighton and Sussex School of Medicine. He has authored a significant number of publications and reviews and has received several awards and recognitions for his work in developing the Royal College Membership Course, serving as a Royal College examiner and exam writer, and contributing to the development of the national training curriculum and the neuropsychiatry accreditation program.