Episode 39: Occupational Therapy: Treatment of non-fatal strangulation anoxic brain injury

In this episode, Dr. Faugno discusses how an occupational therapist can help in the identification and inform treatment for non-fatal strangulate victims’ lives who have been unjustly disrupted by traumatic events. Dr. Rebecca Faugno is an occupational therapist who has a vested interest in recent developments within the domestic violence populations and how OT can be an integral part of the recognition and treatment of trauma experiences. As an occupational therapist, Dr. Faugno holds insight into the assessment and treatment of neurological, social-emotional, psychological, and physical aspects that affect meaningful occupations in our lives and those roles and responsibilities that get unjustly disrupted after traumatic events. Dr. Faugno has worked with patients with acquired brain injury and find that each individual’s effects on their lives are not only unique but the lasting neurological and neuromuscular effects present differently depending upon where the injury manifested and the duration of time the brain went without oxygen. She is an active follower of the strangulation institute and keeps current with developments and research on the studies of neurological conditions impacted by nonfatal strangulation. Resources: The effects of intimate partner violence and probable traumatic brain injury on central nervous system symptoms. Journal of Women’s Health - https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2016.6311 Faugno, D. Interview with forensic nurse examiner and author Diana Faugno [personal interview]. June 4, 2021. Domestic violence and nonfatal strangulation assessment: For health care providers and first responders. STM Learning, Inc. Enhancing independence in women experiencing domestic violence and possible brain injury. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 20(1), 49-79. DOI: 10.1300/J004v20n01_03 Occupational therapy’s role with victims of domestic violence: Assessment and intervention. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, https://doi.org/10.1300/J004v16n03_04 Traumatic brain injury and PTSD s