According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the United States is approximately 1.5–2 million cases per year, and it is the foremost cause of injury and neurological disability among children, young adults and seniors. Despite the frequency with which it occurs, the general public maintains misconceptions about traumatic brain injuries.
Because of the prolonged (and at times incomplete) recovery process, TBI patients may go back to their roles in their respective communities while still dealing with their particular deficits, and while undergoing the rehabilitation process. Due to existing misconceptions about TBI, they are often expected to perform their activities at the same level as pre-injury. When this occurs, it can often lead to frustration and anger which can, in turn, impede the healing process.
A common misconception is that people who have experienced a traumatic brain injury no longer have the same emotional needs. While their quality of life and cognitive and physical functions may differ, people with have suffered a brain injury have the same emotional needs as each one of us: they want to feel loved, useful, needed, to be treated with respect, to have personal space, and to retain control over their lives.
Many people believe that an adult with a brain injury shouldn’t be a part of the discussion concerning his or her care, treatment, or any other plans to assist in solving the individual’s challenges. It is sometimes difficult for loved ones to accept the fact that it is important for a person with a brain injury to be part of any dialogue concerning his or her treatment, care, prognosis, or rehabilitation options.
If possible, even the most trying or upsetting information should be discussed with an adult who suffers from a TBI.
According to Thomas J. Guilmette, it is not only the general public who hold misconceptions about TBI victims; even health professionals who don’t specialize in brain injuries have problems correctly assessing the length and extent of recovery, and who don’t have the knowledge about the multiplicity of deficits (mainly with respect to mental and behavioral impairments). Occasionally, patients with a TBI are even misdiagnosed as learning disabled or mentally ill.
That is why it is so important to seek professional medical help at a brain injury center or brain injury clinic, where knowledge and awareness of this condition are of the highest possible level.
Many people believe that catastrophic rehabilitation (rehabilitation after TBI) will take up to two years to complete and that the recovery will be steady -- this is another misconception.
Brain injury rehabilitation is a very complex process, ideally performed at a brain injury center, where patients respond to treatment individually. No two patients are the same; whenever in doubt, ask your physician or medical professional at your brain injury clinic about therapy progress and prognosis.
A person with a traumatic brain injury may be able to do something effortlessly one day, then find the same thing problematic the next day. Even though much of the recovery process does indeed occur during the first two years, it is not necessarily complete by the end of two years -- the catastrophic rehabilitation process can continue throughout a lifetime.
For many TBI patients (and their families) getting to a point where everything is “back to normal” is the Holy Grail. Every day, they do everything in their power to come one step closer towards this goal.
Opening oneself to the possibility that the “new normal” doesn’t need to be bad may create the space needed for new dynamics and relationships in the family to blossom. No one is denying that dealing with a TBI is a challenging time for everyone, but clinging to past behaviors, traits, abilities, and ambitions has the potential to slow down recovery.
The misconceptions listed above make it difficult for a person affected by TBI, and his or her loved ones, to regain both health and position in society. In such a trying time, what is most needed is understanding, knowledge, awareness, and empathy.
The truth is that no one can do this alone. Every patient deserves support from a great team of medical professionals to assist them throughout the process of brain injury rehabilitation. NeuLife Rehabilitation offers just that support.
NeuLife Rehabilitation is one of the largest residential post-acute rehabilitation facilities in the Southeast, with specialized rehabilitation programs for a wide range of catastrophic injuries.
Our programs are customized to meet the individual needs of each patient, and care plans are structured to promote the highest level of functional independence and successful community reintegration. Through the skills and experience of our highly trained team of clinical experts, we are able to treat a wide range of diagnoses and injuries at our brain injury center.
If you have any more questions concerning catastrophic rehabilitation or any other issue regarding traumatic brain injury (TBI), call us to make an appointment today. You can also schedule a tour to visit our brain injury clinic.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
Read Part 1 of the article about the causes of non-traumatic brain injuries, which we target at NeuLife’s brain injury facility. Today’s article includes several other sources of non-traumatic (acquired) brain injury.
Bleeding inside the brain is known as a brain hemorrhage. It's caused by an artery in the brain bursting and causing localized bleeding in the surrounding tissues. When blood collects into a mass, a hematoma, it puts pressure on brain tissue, making brain cells die. There are several factors that may cause bleeding: head trauma, aneurysm, high blood pressure, and tumors.
The bleeding may range from minor to life-threatening, and may temporarily impede brain function. When the bleeding spreads to other areas of the brain and deprives the brain of oxygen, the damage may be permanent.
A reduced supply of oxygen to the brain is called hypoxia, while total deprivation is anoxia. Anoxia is by definition more dangerous, but both can result in severe brain damage. Depending on the time of oxygen deprivation, the damage can be minor (up to one minute of deprivation) or severe (around four minutes). At the 4-6 minute mark, oxygen deprivation becomes fatal.
The brain can be deprived of oxygen as a result of the following actions:
Every brain surgery is a risk of greater complications, such as a hemorrhage, stroke, or damage to surrounding brain tissue, which can be discovered by doctors during the surgery or after. In some cases, though, the risk of not performing surgery is greater than the risk associated with the surgery, so doctors and patients pursue it anyway. The decision, however, needs to be mutual and the patient should be acquainted with all the risks.
NeuLife’s brain injury facility often admits patients with post-surgical conditions, as conditions in the clinic are designed specifically to ease problems with rehabilitation and speed up recovery as much as possible.
Dementia is a loss of mental ability severe enough to interfere with normal activities of daily life, lasting for a prolonged time, but without losing consciousness. Most forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's, are caused by deterioration of brain tissue. Symptoms of dementia can include problems with memory, thinking, and language, along with impairments to social skills and some behavioral symptoms. Age is the biggest risk factor for developing dementia.
Currently there are no medications to treat Alzheimer’s disease or other types of elderly dementia. Medications may improve symptoms, but none can halt or reverse progressive damage to the brain. Therefore, it is crucial that patients with dementia are placed in a safe environment, which often is a brain injury facility.
The above concerns are not the only potential types of acquired brain injury (non-traumatic). Some other common sources of these injuries include:
NeuLife is a Residential Post-Acute Rehab facility specializing in brain injury rehabilitation. Its program includes physical medicine and rehabilitation medical management, psychiatric and neuropsychological services, physical, occupational, speech and cognitive therapies, behavioral, dietary and vocational counseling, and more. Beautifully situated on 43 acres in Mount Dora, Florida, its inpatient rehab facility comprises over 60,000 square feet and contains 54 private rooms or suites. If you would like more information about NeuLife Rehabilitation Services, please contact us.
There are two types of brain injuries: traumatic, when an external object causes brain tissue damage, and non-traumatic, also called acquired brain injury, the result of change, damage or infection internal to the body.
There are many different causes of non-traumatic brain injuries, some of which are more common than others. They include infections, lack of oxygen, tumors and bleeding in the brain, which we describe in detail below
NeuLife’s brain injury rehabilitation program provides care for patients with traumatic and non-traumatic injuries.
Read about traumatic brain injury rehab in this article.
Brain infections can occur as a result of viruses or bacteria. Staph, for example, spreads with the blood to the brain, damaging brain tissue. One of the most common brain infections, meningitis, can be caused by a virus or bacteria. More common to contract in childhood years, it causes strong headaches, fever, sleepiness, and nausea, among other symptoms. It should be treated immediately after diagnosis, as the complications may be severe.
A related condition, encephalitis, is an inflammation of the brain, caused by different types of viruses and characterized by brain swelling. The swelling itself can impede brain function until it goes down. It may also damage surrounding brain tissue, or result in other problems, such as a loss of oxygen to the brain or fluid in the brain. Brain swelling is often the product of an infection, but can also be due to an untreated autoimmune disorder, cancer, and even some allergic reactions.
Not all brain tumors are cancerous, but even benign tumors can cause brain damage. When a brain tumor pushes on some brain area or deprives it of oxygen, the functionality of that area becomes limited. Removing the tumor may fix the problem, but brain surgery is always a great risk. If the tumor does not show signs of growing or changing, your doctor might suggest you leave it in place and avoid the risks of removal.
When a tumor is due to cancer, your doctor might remove it, recommend chemotherapy or radiation, or offer some combination of these treatments.
A stroke is a cardiovascular event during which the blood supply to the brain is cut off. Without oxygen, the brain cells start to die. Stroke needs immediate response and treatment. The main reason for it is poor cardiovascular health, though anyone—including children—can suffer from a stroke. NeuLife’s brain injury rehab program specializes in taking care of patients who have suffered a stroke.
A related occurrence, called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), is sometimes called a mini-stroke. These episodes, which sometimes occur multiple times, produce a temporary blockage that quickly resolves. If you have suffered a TIA, you are at risk of a stroke. Some people also experience minor brain damage as a result of TIA.
Locked-in syndrome is often caused by a stroke, and results in brain damage so severe that the person loses his ability to speak or move, and may be able to only move their eyes. The person is fully conscious and realizes the situation; however, they are without the ability to interact, literally locked into his or her brain.
NeuLife is a Residential Post-Acute Rehab facility specializing in brain injury rehabilitation. Its program includes physical medicine and rehabilitation medical management, psychiatric and neuropsychological services, physical, occupational, speech and cognitive therapies, behavioral, dietary and vocational counseling, and more. Beautifully situated on 43 acres in Mount Dora, Florida, its inpatient rehab facility comprises over 60,000 square feet and contains 54 private rooms or suites. If you would like more information about NeuLife Rehabilitation Services, please contact us.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
A brain injury is any injury to the brain that affects a person physically, emotionally or behaviorally. Brain injuries can happen at birth or may arise later from trauma or an illness. Depending on the cause, a brain injury is called either traumatic or non-traumatic.
Traumatic brain injuries do not always include an open head wound or skull fracture. Loss of consciousness may not occur, either, but the one thing that all traumatic brain injuries have in common is contact. These are the most common causes of a traumatic brain injury (TBI):
A non-traumatic brain injury may also be called an acquired brain injury (ABI). This type of brain injury is the result of an illness or condition within the body, not of a blow to the head. These are the most common causes of a non-traumatic brain injury:
According to NeuLife brain injury rehabilitation center, common symptoms of traumatic or non-traumatic brain injury include:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
NeuLife brain injury rehabilitation center specialists report that most of the clients they treat were injured in motor-vehicle accidents. Seat belts reduce serious injuries and deaths from crashes by about 50%.
Alcohol and drugs, including prescription medications, can impair a person’s ability to drive. Alcohol-impaired drivers are involved in about one in three crash deaths, resulting in nearly 11,000 deaths annually.
Cell phones are the No. 1 source of driver distraction. Using a mobile device while driving is similar to having a blood alcohol level at the legal limit of 0.08, according to research from the University of Utah. Statistics show that drivers who talk on cell phones or text while driving are four times as likely to get into a car crash serious enough to injure themselves.
The chances of falling can be reduced in older adults by doing the following:
Head injuries can be prevented in children by:
NeuLife is a Residential Post-Acute Rehab facility specializing in brain injury rehabilitation. Its program includes physical medicine and rehabilitation medical management, psychiatric and neuropsychological services, physical, occupational, speech and cognitive therapies, behavioral, dietary and vocational counseling, and more. Beautifully situated on 43 acres in Mount Dora, Florida, its inpatient rehab facility comprises over 60,000 square feet and contains 54 private rooms or suites. If you would like more information about NeuLife Rehabilitation Services, please contact us.
Physicians cannot cure many neurological disorders, but rehabilitation can assist in treating symptoms and the restoration of daily functioning.
NeuLife provides individualized therapy to help patients experiencing neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, cerebral Palsy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) achieve the highest quality of life.
Before we explore the most common neurological conditions that require lifelong care, let’s look closely at the nervous system.
The nervous system is a complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates the body’s activities.
There are two parts to the nervous system:
In addition to the brain and spinal cord, the nervous system's principal organs include the eyes, ears, sensory organs of taste, sensory organs of smell, sensory receptors located in the skin, joints, muscles, and other parts of the body.
Disorders of the nervous system may include the following:
such as stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), subarachnoid hemorrhage, subdural hemorrhage and hematoma, and extradural hemorrhage
such as meningitis, encephalitis, polio, and epidural abscess
such as a brain or spinal cord injury, Bell’s Palsy, cervical spondylosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, brain or spinal cord tumors, peripheral neuropathy
such as headache, epilepsy, dizziness, and neuralgia
such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s chorea, and Alzheimer’s disease
We are now going to discuss some of the most common neurological disorders that require life long care at a neuro rehabilitation center.
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. Cerebral means connection to the brain, and Palsy means weakness or problems with using the muscles.
CP is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain that affects a person’s ability to control their muscles. It is considered the most common motor disability in childhood.
The symptoms of CP vary. A person with severe CP might not be able to walk at all or may need to use special equipment to walk.
A person with mild CP, on the other hand, may walk awkwardly but might not need additional help.
CP does not get worse over time, though the exact symptoms can change. Many people suffering from CP also have related conditions such as intellectual disabilities, seizures, and speech limitations.
There is no cure for CP but rehabilitation can improve a person’s condition.
Treatment may include physical, occupational, or speech therapy and medicines to control seizures, relax muscle spasms, and relieve the pain.
Braces and other orthotic devices, wheelchairs and rolling walkers, and communication aids can support the fight with CP.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, refers to a group of progressive neurological disorders that cause dysfunction in the nerves that control muscle movement.
It attacks the nerve cells known as motor neurons that are used involuntary muscle actions.
In ALS, the motor neurons degenerate or die and stop sending messages to the muscles. Unable to function, the muscles gradually weaken, start to twitch (called fasciculations), and waste away (atrophy).
Eventually, the brain loses its ability to initiate and control voluntary movements.
Early symptoms of ALS include muscle weakness or stiffness.
Gradually all muscles under voluntary control are affected, and individuals lose strength and the ability to speak, eat, move, and even breathe. External support becomes inevitable.
There is currently no cure, so treatment aims to relieve symptoms, provide social and emotional support, and possibly slow disease progression.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that affects the motor system. It happens when nerve cells in the brain don’t produce enough of a brain chemical called dopamine.
Sometimes it is genetic, but most cases do not seem to run in families.
Exposure to chemicals in the environment might play a role. Symptoms begin gradually, often on one side of the body; later, they affect both sides. Symptoms include:
As symptoms worsen, people with the disease may have trouble walking, talking, or doing simple tasks. They may also have depression and difficulty sleeping, chewing, swallowing, or speaking.
There is no lab test for PD, so it can be challenging to diagnose. Doctors use a patient’s medical history and a neurological examination to assess symptoms indicating PD.
PD usually begins around age 60, but it can start earlier. It is more common in men than in women. Unfortunately, there is no cure for PD. Surgery and deep brain stimulation (DBS) can help in severe cases, but they are controversial
Therefore acceptance of the gradual loss of independence can be beneficial, along with support for both the patient and family. Being well informed about the disease can reduce anxiety about what lies ahead.
NeuLife is a Residential Post-Acute Rehab facility specializing in neurological disorder rehabilitation and rehab for brain injury.
We treat a range of brain injury disorders, some life long, as well as a focus for post acute brain injury rehabilitation. Our programs may include:
If you would like more information about NeuLife Rehabilitation Services, please contact us.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
If you had a chance to read our last article on Post Acute Rehabilitation Programs at NeuLife Rehab (Part 1), you know that amputee rehabilitation is one of the post acute rehabilitation programs we offer in our facility. Similar to our brain injury rehabilitation program, amputee rehab is dedicated to patients who have suffered a traumatic injury, e.g., as the result of an accident. It’s not an uncommon occurrence - according to a recent study, approximately 185,000 amputations occur in the United States each year. Thanks to our program, people who have lost a limb don’t need to worry about not being able to work or do other things they did before the accident. Our Community Integrated Rehabilitation allows patients to practice real-world skills in a safe and supportive environment to facilitate a successful return to home and work and/or school. Our professional team works relentlessly to make sure patients regain their strength and adjust to their new reality in a safe and comfortable environment. If you’re looking for a facility with great rehab programs focused on helping patients after amputation, NeuLife Rehab is a great choice.
When you or your loved one suffers a catastrophic injury, it is a physically and emotionally challenging experience. During this difficult time, you need the best possible quality of care as well as the highest-standard professional assistance. NeuLife Rehabilitation is a large residential brain injury rehab in Florida, one of the largest centers in the region, specializing in rehabilitation for a wide range of catastrophic injuries. We are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) in Brain Injury Specialty Programs and Residential Rehabilitation. Our professional staff make sure that you and your family are being taken care of by the best specialists in the area. We encourage you to find out more about our facility and our programs. If you have any questions at all, we are here for you - call us or make a referral using our easy to navigate and convenient online form. We are looking forward to helping you achieve your goals.
Post-acute rehabilitation is the time during which the patient who suffered a traumatic injury is participating in various kinds of rehab programs that aim at bringing him or her as close to their pre-injury state as possible. ‘Post Acute’ indicates that the patient was previously at an acute care facility, such as a hospital or ambulatory care facility. Why is post acute rehab so important? It is an essential part of the healing process, a crucial component that enables the patients to get back to their life before the injury. At NeuLife, we provide a wide range of residential rehab programs, depending on the patient’s needs. Our goal is to restore the patient’s mobility and independence the greatest deal possible. Our facility is equipped to help patients with various types of injuries, whether they are brain and spine injuries, strokes and other neurological disorders. In this article, we will describe 3 of the many rehabilitation programs available at our Florida rehabilitation facility.
Over 2.4 million people, both children and adults, sustain a traumatic brain injury every year, according to the Brain Injury Association of America. Moreover, the repercussions of a brain injury vary depending on the case, but they typically include difficulty with memory, language, thinking and judgment (cognitive impairment). That’s why post acute rehab is so important. Our brain injury rehab programs help patients regain their basic abilities, and they can significantly improve the patient’s state. We strongly believe in an individualized approach to care because we know each patient is unique. Our care plans are customized to fit the patient’s specific needs. The brain injury rehabilitation program at NeuLife offers a full continuum of services for patients who have experienced an Acquired brain injury (ABI) - traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by blows, jolts or injuries to the head (concussion) and Non-traumatic caused by hypoxia, illness, infection, stroke. The comprehensive program at our brain injury clinic encompasses the unique needs of each patient and family. The team focuses on maximizing abilities, providing education, increasing mobility and preventing complications.
Facing the consequences of a spinal cord injury is very challenging. Depending on its severity, it can significantly change the patient’s life. Limited mobility and ability are just some of the things the patient has to face. At our Florida rehabilitation facility, we understand how difficult it can be to deal, both physically and psychologically, with the repercussions of a spinal cord injury; that’s why we focus all of our efforts on addressing all the needs of every patient and family and maximizing the patient’s abilities, preventing complications, providing education, and increasing mobility in all environments. Our clinical residential rehabilitation team has over 200 years of combined experience! Our goal is to prepare patients for a successful transition home, focusing on enabling them to be able to take care of themselves as much as they can. Maximizing independence by improving strength, functioning, and mobility is our number one priority. This multi-faceted approach maximizes recovery and improves the overall quality of life.
Losing a limb as a result of an accident/trauma is not a rare occurrence in the United States. According to recent study, approximately 185,000 amputations occur in the United States each year. Again, facing a new reality is this case a big challenge, both physically and psychologically. To make the transition easier, we provide comprehensive amputee rehabilitation services to help patients achieve optimal independence and quality of life. Depending on the case and the patient’s specific needs, our amputee rehab programs may include strength building skills, therapies for flexibility, mobility & endurance, proper wound care & limb management, pain management, ongoing support, education & training, and counseling services. Data indicates that all amputee patients at NeuLife have been discharged home and achieved an average of 83% functional improvement from admission to discharge. We work with patients from different backgrounds, including many veterans who lost a limb due to combat injuries. We proudly accept referrals from the Veterans Administration (VA). In addition to VA Choice, we also accept TRICARE.
After catastrophic injuries, patients have to face the physical and emotional impact on their lives. We strive to make the transition as painless and as comfortable as possible, for both the patients and their families. We understand the importance of privacy and support in this challenging time, and we make it our number one priority to respect our patients’ needs. Our customized programs are highly effective and have helped hundreds of patients get back to their normal life with newly re-gained independence. Our residential rehab programs include clinical evaluations, medical care and therapeutic activities that are customized to meet the goals, needs and abilities of each patient. By leveraging a variety of rehabilitation services, we are able to create an integrated approach focused on helping each patient recover skills associated with activities of daily living (ADLs) using compensatory strategies and mobility aids to achieve a seamless transition into the community. Every component of the treatment plan is customized to the individual patient for guaranteed results.
If you have any questions at all, or would like to schedule a tour around our modern, patient-friendly facility, please do contact us - we are looking forward to seeing you!
Brain Injury Clinic News: Scientists are now working on blast/impact simulations to study their effect on the brain. They work on developing a special computer that will enable researchers to better understand how a blast on the battlefield can impact soldiers’ brains and lead to traumatic brain injury.
According to ScienceDaily: “Researchers at Sandia have studied the mechanisms behind traumatic brain injury for about a decade. Their traumatic injury modeling and simulation project began with a head-and-neck representation, and now they've created a high-fidelity, digital model of a man from the waist up to study the minute mechanisms behind trauma.”1
The study will help develop an improved model of body armor that can decrease the trauma from the blast and prevent traumatic brain injuries. To read the full article on the research being carried out by Sandia National Laboratories, click here.
NeuLife Rehabilitation is a Preferred Provider with the Veterans Choice Program. We are honored to provide our Veterans and Military Service Members with specialized post-acute rehabilitation for brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and other catastrophic conditions as well as treatment for PTSD. The services we offer in our Brain Injury Clinic include cognitive and behavioral therapies, the most effective type of counseling for PTSD. Through such therapies, we are able to reduce PTSD symptoms and implement coping mechanisms.
NeuLife is a Residential Post-Acute Rehab facility specializing in catastrophic rehabilitation for Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury and other complex injuries. Its Program includes physical medicine and rehabilitation medical management, psychiatric and neuropsychological services, physical, occupational, speech and cognitive therapies, behavioral, dietary and vocational counseling and more. Beautifully situated on 43 acres in Mount Dora, Florida, its inpatient rehab facility comprises over 60,000 square feet and contains 54 private rooms or suites. If you would like more information about NeuLife Rehabilitation Services, please contact us.
This article was written on behalf of the practice by RedCastle Services. RedCastle specializes in Online Marketing for Doctors, including Medical SEO, SEO for doctors, and Medical Website Design. Contact RedCastle Services today to find out how we can help your practice increase its number of online patient referrals.
It gives us great pleasure to announce that Karen Macaluso, a Certified Case Manager and Catastrophic Case Manager, has joined our team. Karen is our Director of Admissions Business Development & Nurse Case Manager. She is available to our patients at the our NeuLife Rehab facility located in Mount Dora.
Karen Macaluso
Quick facts about Karen:
Education
NeuLife Rehab is a modern, patient-friendly facility located in a beautiful area of Mount Dora, FL. Features of our facility include:
If you’d like to find out more about brain injury rehab, neuro rehab or post acute rehab, our professional staff or facility, we encourage you to visit our website or call us at 800-626-3876 - we are here to answer any of your questions. We are looking forward to seeing you!
‘Catastrophic injury’ is a widely used term but it’s not always used correctly. Many times we hear about ‘catastrophic injuries’ in various contexts - in the news, ER rooms, during sports events broadcasts, etc. One may wonder - when is the injury considered ‘catastrophic’? Unfortunately, there isn’t just one correct answer, as the universally accepted legal definition of a catastrophic injury doesn’t exist. There is however a commonly used specification that describes the injury as a severe injury to the spine, spinal cord, or brain, and may also include skull or spinal fractures, loss of a limb and severe burn injuries that leads to a permanent or long-term severe functional disability or disfigurement. Such injuries often require post-acute rehab and involve a lifetime of medical treatment, multiple surgical procedures and an extensive and difficult recovery process.
It can be caused by many factors, mainly accidents that cause physical trauma, such as an automobile accident. However, as mentioned in our previous article, this type of injury can also be caused during activities that we don’t normally associate with a risk of getting seriously injured, such as a football match or a cheerleading event.
Brain trauma - catastrophic injuries of the head may cause life-long effects, such as cognitive dysfunction, speech problems, limited mobility, etc.
Spinal cord injury - is commonly associated with full or partial paralysis, respiratory and circulatory problems, exaggerated reflexes and spasms, chronic pain, loss of bowel and bladder control.
Severe burns - infections, limited mobility, chronic pain
Amputations - limited mobility
Organ damage - can cause many different conditions, including those that are life-threatening
Some of the most common sources of catastrophic injuries are:
In some cases, catastrophic injuries could be prevented. Often it is just a matter of being mindful and taking care of the necessary safety measures. Here are just a couple of suggestions on how to prevent catastrophic injuries:
However, even when you’re being extra careful, accidents do happen. When you or your loved one suffers from a catastrophic injury, it is a physically and emotionally challenging experience. During this difficult time, you need the best possible quality of care as well as the highest-standard professional assistance. NeuLife Rehabilitation is one of the largest residential post acute rehab programs specializing in rehabilitation for a wide range of catastrophic injuries. We are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) in Brain Injury Rehabilitation Programs and Residential Rehabilitation.
Our professional staff makes sure that you and your family are being taken care of by the best specialists in the area. We encourage you to find out more about our facility and our programs. If you have any questions at all, we are here for you - call us or make a referral using our easy to navigate and convenient online form. We are looking forward to helping you achieve your goals.
You have probably already heard about the correlation between contact sports and brain injury, but perhaps you didn’t quite realize just how strong this correlation is. A study by Dr. Joseph Maldijan from UT Southwestern showed that one season of high school football alone was enough to cause physiological changes in the brain.
In the study, two small groups of high school football players were monitored over the course of a season. Their helmets were equipped with sensors which could measure the number and level of impacts to the head. Moreover all players were given preseason brain MRI scans and cognitive testing and then received the same testing postseason. This, combined with Diffusional Kurtosis Imaging (DKI), revealed physiological and functional differences in preseason and postseason results.
“All this data is pointing to the same thing — that is that one season of football has an effect on the brain”. Said Dr. Maldijan about the study.
As a sport with one of the highest levels of contact (including contact to the head), science is showing how such sports can contribute to brain injury. Fortunately, catastrophic brain injuries are relatively rare, even in football; however, they do sometimes occur.
Unfortunately, the correlation between football and brain injuries is not a new one, which is why the NFL set up the NFL Head, Neck, and Spine Committee in the 1990s. The Committee is focused on the neurological health of players and aims to reduce the incidence. And severity of brain (as well as neck and spine) injuries in the sport.
It is important to realize, catastrophic brain injuries are rare. But when they happen, what brain injury rehab programs are available? NeuLife Rehab is a provider of brain injury rehab programs at our brain injury facility in Florida and is experienced in providing the necessary treatment programs and care to rehabilitate patients who have suffered a brain injury. As an illustration the brain injury facility, situated on 43 rolling acres, has 54 private patient suites. Also a whole range of amenities available for brain injury patients, depending on their specific needs. Must be remembered that these include a full-service kitchen, fully equipped therapy rooms, an outdoor working garden, skills retraining laundry room, on-site equine therapy and many other amenities.
In terms of the brain injury rehab program itself. To explain it is administered by a multi-specialty staff, including physicians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, nurse case managers. In the same way psychologists, among others, depending on the individualized needs and circumstances on the brain injured patient.
NeuLife Rehabilitation is one of the largest residential post-acute rehabilitation facilities in the Southeast with specialized residential rehabilitation programs for a wide range of catastrophic injuries. We are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) in Brain Injury Rehab Programs and Residential Rehabilitation.
Our programs are customized to meet the individual needs of each patient, especially care plans are structured to promote the highest level of functional independence and successful community re-integration. Through the skills and experience of our highly trained team of clinical experts. We are able to provide the following programs:
To point out read more about NeuLife’s brain injury rehabilitation program in Florida, or call NeuLife today at 800.626.3876.
This article was written on behalf of the practice by RedCastle Services. RedCastle specializes in Online Marketing for Doctors, including Medical SEO, SEO for doctors, and Medical Website Design. Contact RedCastle Services today to find out how we can help your practice increase its number of online patient referrals.
According to scientifically validated research, post-acute brain injury rehabilitation, one of the specialized services we offer at our brain injury facility - NeuLife Rehab, improves the quality of life of individuals who have experienced an acquired brain injury (ABI) and reduces lifetime medical costs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that ABI is a major cause of death and disability in the United States. ABIs contribute to about 30.5% of all injury-related deaths. Those who survive an ABI can face short term effects or long-term effects that could last the rest of their lives. In the United States, approximately 5.3 million people have ABI-related disabilities that include long lasting cognitive and psychological impairments. The effects of ABI can include impaired thinking, attention or memory, movement, balance, sensation (e.g., vision or hearing), or emotional functioning (e.g., personality changes, depression). These issues not only affect brain injury survivors and their ability to work, perform household tasks, drive and engage in other activities of daily living but have profound effects on families and communities. Permanent ABI-related disability can also result in enormous financial burden including significant medical costs.
Rehabilitation is the predominant post-acute treatment for individuals with ABI. Scientific research confirms that a post-acute rehabilitation program with a multidisciplinary approach such as the program we provide at our brain injury facility - NeuLife Rehab , is more likely to be effective in the treatment of ABI patients. NeuLife’s multidisciplinary program includes, but is not limited to physiatry medical management, nursing services, psychiatry, internal medicine, physical, occupational, speech, recreational and neuropsychological/neurobehavioral therapies, community re-integration and vocational evaluation.
In an article published in the May 2015 issue of Journal of Neurotrauma called “Post-Acute Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation: Effects on Outcome Measures and Life Care Costs” written by Grace S. Griesbach, Lisa A. Kreber, David Harrington and Mark J. Ashley, the authors scientifically evaluated and measured both the functional effectiveness and cost effectiveness of post-acute ABI rehabilitation by comparing outcome measures and life care costs with that of patients with cerebrovascular accident (CVA) who underwent a similar multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. In this retrospective study of 36 former ABI and CVA rehab patients, functional effectiveness was determined through an assessment of the patient’s level of functional independence at least one (1) year post discharge, using outcome scales that evaluate level of disability as well as social, cognitive, emotional and physical problems. Cost effectiveness was determined by completion of life care plans, or lifetime cost projections by independent certified life care planners for each of the 36 patients, both prior to, and after, post-acute rehabilitation, i.e., with and without post-acute rehabilitation. Of note, the majority of the patients in the study completed a residential post-acute rehabilitation program for 5 days per week for variable lengths of stay; however, the median duration of treatment was 197 days of rehabilitation.
The data conclusively revealed that post-acute rehabilitation, with or without traditional acute rehabilitation, significantly improved functional outcomes for all 36 patients. These patients demonstrated improved quality of life, higher levels of function and independence, decreased disability and level of assistance needed for daily living, reduction in ABI-related morbidity and increases in occupational status or ability to return to work or vocation. The team of clinical experts at NeuLife proudly stands behind its quality clinical outcomes including, but not limited to its functional, cognitive and behavioral outcomes.
In addition to improved functional outcomes and quality of life, the study concluded that ABI-related lifetime cost projections markedly diminished after post-acute rehabilitation, referred to throughout the study as “rehabilitation savings” (RS). In other words, those patients who underwent post-acute ABI rehabilitation were projected to incur lower life care costs compared to patients who did not continue rehabilitation during the post-acute period. More specifically, the costs needed for long term needs such as hospitalizations, medical procedures, nursing, attendant care, medications and the like over the patient’s life expectancy significantly decreased after post-acute ABI rehabilitation. In fact, the study showed that on average, over $2 million was saved in lifetime costs per patient for those who received post-acute care. Cost and functional effectiveness was more pronounced when post-acute rehabilitation was initiated within the 1st year after ABI.
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About NeuLife Rehabilitation
NeuLife Rehabilitation is one of the largest residential post-acute rehabilitation programs of its kind specializing in catastrophic rehabilitation for Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and other complex injuries. Individuals who have experienced a catastrophic or complex work injury or illness such as an acquired brain or spinal cord injury, amputation, severe burn, complex orthopedic injury, stroke or other debilitating condition can now access quality specialized rehabilitation in a therapeutic, residential environment that offers individualized care and programming that will help them achieve the highest level of functional independence and the best quality of life.
NeuLife’s mission is to provide a comprehensive outcomes-based program of neuro rehab to support and promote the improvement of the quality of life of our patients. Based on our most recent data, our patients achieve an average functional improvement of 80% from admission to discharge. Our average length of stay varies depending on patient need. In addition, 86% of our patients are discharged to home, work or school and successfully reintegrated into the community, resulting in substantial rehabilitation savings for our patients with ABI, their families and other stakeholders.
NeuLife is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Programs include inpatient general and neurological rehabilitation, behavioral/cognitive therapy, community reintegration and Supported Living.
For additional information about NeuLife, please visit our website or call us at 1-800-626-3876. Please also feel free to contact our Clinical Liaisons, Wendy McCracken at 904-534-2518, Brandy Narciso at 813-892-5471 or Fred Langan at 727-308-8073 to discuss a possible referral.
We know that choosing the next step in your recovery from a catastrophic illness or injury is complex. Together, we can help you take the next step.
Contact us with any questions today.
