Inpatient Brain Injury Program
The Brain Injury Program offers comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation services
for adolescents and adults with acquired brain injury. The program focuses on the special needs of these patients, using the latest therapeutic modalities to help them improve cognitive and neurological functioning as well as learn appropriate behavior strategies.
Brain injury may be the result of motor vehicle accident, fall, assault or other type of injury. In addition, certain illnesses can cause damage to the brain that creates symptoms similar to those caused by traumatic brain injury. Patients with brain injury experience a range of symptoms depending on the type of damage and the severity of the injury. Symptoms and loss of functioning may include:
- swallowing difficulties
- paralysis or incoordination of all or some extremities
- difficulty maintaining alertness and arousal
- loss of balance while sitting or standing
- cognitive deficits, which may include memory loss, confusion, decreased concentration and attention deficits
- communication and speech problems
- emotional or behavioral problems
- visual or perceptual problems
- decreased safety awareness and judgement
Program Goals
The goal of the Brain Injury Program is to help patients achieve their highest personal level of health, function, safety and independence. The interdisciplinary team of professionals is trained in the cognitive, behavioral, communication, physical and psychological needs of people with brain injury and provides individualized treatment for each patient. The rehab team, patient and family training are objectives of each patient's treatment plan, and practicing self-care skills is an essential part of that plan. Patient and family education is also a key component of the program.
Our patient-centered philosophy encourages family participation in rehabilitation and invites questions about therapeutic options and medical decisions. The program includes evaluation of the patient's physical, psychological, communication and cognitive functioning. The interdisciplinary team of rehabilitation specialists works with patients throughout recovery to:
- teach new methods of mobility and the use of adaptive equipment
- teach self-care skills
- provide retraining in communication skills
- develop behavior management strategies to improve safety and social interactions
- address patient and family education needs
- teach strategies to minimize the effect of cognitive deficits
Specialists in therapeutic recreation offer a range of activities based on each individual patient's ability, needs and lifestyle. Community re-integration occurs through structured outings and utilization of community support resources. Discharge planning may include a home visit by qualified therapists to assess barriers, educate the family about assistance techniques, develop exercise programs and provide guidance with equipment selection and purchase. Located within an acute care hospital, the Brain Injury Program draws on a wide range of resources and medical expertise to meet patients' complex medical needs. A specially-designed quiet room provides a safe environment for agitated patients. Staff are trained in strategies to minimize and reduce behavioral complications that often accompany brain injury.
The Brain Injury Program is part of the Inova Rehabilitation Center, which offers a continuum of care for patients with brain injury including outpatient neurologic rehabilitation services and the Bridge Program, a day treatment program to help patients learn independent living and community re-entry skills.
Interdisiplinary Professional Team
The Inova Rehabilitation Center's interdisciplinary team includes the following professionals:
- physiatrists (rehab physicians)
- case managers
- rehabilitation nurses
- physical therapists
- occupational therapists
- speech/language pathologists
- therapeutic recreation specialists
- neuropsychologists
- social workers
- respiratory therapists
- dietitians
- chaplain
These professionals are committed to helping patients achieve their highest level of independent functioning and preventing long-term complications.
