Programming the Dysfunctional Brain

Subtitled "Discover Options for the Treatment of Cerebral Palsy and Traumatic Brain Injury," the focus of this program is on helping the brain's healthy cells take over the function of damaged cells in those individuals who have suffered a physical or hereditary assault: epilepsy, birth injury, near drowning, near hanging, cerebral edema, etc. To that end, we learn the four stages of brain development, hear about the latest techniques and therapies--including hyberbaric oxygen chambers, nutritional supplements, and visual exams--and are taken step-by-step through a physical therapy program that can "train the brain to reach its optimum potential." While the featured specialists are well spoken, and the production values are fine, I was surprised that the program did not tell viewers what the actual physical effects of brain injury are, nor what types of improvement one might expect to see from following the suggestions offered here. Since it really concentrates on options for treatment, perhaps the producers assumed these basic details were already understood. Despite this drawback, this video is still recommended for medical and public library collections. Aud: C, P. (K. Glaser)