Main description:

This book offers a personal insight into the experience of Alex Jelly, a professional fundraiser who developed a rare brain tumour, a papillary meningioma, which was successfully removed. She was left with Supplementary Motor Area Syndrome and associated problems including motor and speech impairments and a temporary psychosis. Discussing Alex's struggles and triumphs throughout her rehabilitation, this book offers an honest account of her journey from diagnosis to recovery.

Part I introduces Alex's early life and employment, symptom onset and diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. Part II presents her neurosurgeon, Adel Helmy, and a clinical neuropsychologist, Barbara A. Wilson. Adel provides a medical context by explaining Alex's successful surgery and her post-operative experience. Finally, Barbara concludes with a comprehensive view of Alex's recovery and gives a voice to the therapists and psychologists who worked with Alex throughout her in and outpatient rehabilitation journey.

This book provides support, understanding and hope for patients who have suffered a brain tumour, and their families. It is valuable reading for any professional involved in neurorehabilitation, studemts of clinical neuropsychology and those touched by brain injury.

Contents:

Preface

Acknowledgements

Foreword by Dr Jill Winegardner

PART ONE: Alex's Story

Chapter 1: Life Before

Chapter 2: Symptoms & Diagnosis/ The Lime in the Coconut

Chapter 3: The Op / Happy Valentine's Day

Chapter 4: Early Visits

Chapter 5: Psychosis and stories - insights and butterflies

Chapter 6: Cancer

Chapter 7: Rehabilitation & Recovery

Chapter 8: Naturopathy & strategies that have helped

Chapter 9: Life Today

PART TWO: Background Information from Adel Helmy and Barbara A. Wilson

Chapter 10: Meningioma and the brain

Adel Helmy

Chapter 11: Supplementary Motor Area Syndrome. What is it? Why does it happen? Long term consequences

Adel Helmy

Chapter 12: Reports from staff and Alex's former partner

Barbara A Wilson

Chapter 13: Alex at the Oliver Zangwill Centre

Chapter 14: Summary and Conclusions

Barbara A Wilson

References

Index