title: Neuroscience Literacy: "Brain Tells" as Signals of Brain Dysfunction Affecting Daily Life.
abstract: The structures and circuits of the central and the peripheral nervous systems provide the basis for thinking, speaking, experiencing sensations, and performing perceptual and motor activities in daily life. Healthy people experience normal functioning without giving brain functions a second thought, while dysfunction of the neural circuits may lead to marked impairments in cognition, communication, sensory awareness, and performing perceptual and motor tasks. Neuroscience literacy provides the knowledge to associate the deficits observed in patients with the underlying deficits in the structures and circuits of the nervous system. The purpose of this paper is to begin the conversation in this area via a neuroscience literacy model of "Brain Tells," defined as stereotypical or observable behaviors often associated with brain dysfunction. Occupational therapists and other allied health professionals should be alert for the signs of "Brain Tells" that may be early warning signs of brain pathology. We also suggest that neuroscience literacy be emphasized in training provided to public safety workers, teachers, caregivers, and health care professionals at all levels.
authors.affiliation: Dep. of Occupational Therapy, College of Health Sciences, Rush University, 1006 Armour Academic Center, 600 Paulina Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. Tel 312- 942-9658, fax 312 942 2100. Charlotte_L_Royeen@Rush.edu.
authors.forename: Charlotte B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Royeen
authors.forename: James R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Brašić
authors.forename: Leah
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dvorak
authors.forename: Casey
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Provoziak-O'Brien
authors.forename: Chetna
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sethi
authors.forename: S Omar
authors.initials: SO
authors.lastname: Ahmad
mesh_terms: D016390:Allied Health Occupations; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D000067010:Literacy; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009488:Neurosciences