Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2003 Mar; 84(3 Suppl 1): S18-22.

Congenital and acquired brain injury. 4. New frontiers: neuroimaging, neuroprotective agents, cognitive-enhancing agents, new technology, and complementary medicine.

McEligott JM, Greenwald BD, Watanabe TK.

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC 27858-4354, USA. mcelligottj@mail.ecu.edu

This self-directed learning module explores the clinical application of new and evolving research frontiers in the field of neuroimaging, neuroprotective agents, and cognition-enhancing medications as applied to patients with brain injury. The current and potential clinical applications of robotic technology, virtual reality, and telemedicine in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation is explored. The evidence to support a growing interest in and application of complementary medicine techniques in brain injury and other disorders is reviewed. OVERALL ARTICLE OBJECTIVES: (a) To explore the current research and potential clinical applications of medical and technologic advances in neuroprotective agents, cognition-enhancing agents, neuroimaging, virtual reality, robotics, and telemedicine as applicable to brain injury and (b) to identify the evidence to support an expanding use of complementary medicine in brain injury.