In a split second, a patient’s life can be altered by traumatic brain injury (TBI). According to the Brain Injury Association of America, a traumatic brain injury occurs every 23 seconds. Called a “silent epidemic,” TBI has resulted in disability for more than 5.3 million Americans. The estimated lifetime cost of brain injury — including both direct and indirect medical costs — totaled $60 billion in 2000. In recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month, AEHN is celebrating successes in treating TBI and caring for patients with severe brain injury.

Comprehensive Care Spans the Spectrum of  TBI

MossRehab’s Drucker Brain Injury Center and Community Residence boasts one of the most comprehensive treatment programs for traumatic brain injury in the United States, featuring a full continuum of brain injury services. Patients with TBI can transition from acute care to MossRehab, a division of Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, facilitating interdisciplinary communication. A full program of therapeutic day services and individualized rehabilitative programs is offered to meet the needs of severely injured patients, patients needing supported living facilities, and those transitioning back into the community. Activity programs are offered to patients with significant impairment, allowing them to engage in constructive activities in a supervised setting.

“The advantage of our facility is that the care can be tailored specifically to each patient’s needs,” says Thomas Watanabe, MD, clinical director, Drucker Brain Injury Center. For example, clinicians are available who specialize in treating the continuum of cognitive deficits, from severe to very mild. With respect to physical rehabilitation, therapists often specialize in treating specific deficits, such as spasticity, weakness, and/or balance and dizziness problems.  The therapists also have expertise in treating the physical deficits of patients who may have cognitive or behavioral problems that could otherwise be a barrier to therapy participation.

“At the Forefront of Change”

The availability of specialist care is one result of AEHN’s commitment to research and teaching in the area of traumatic brain injury. “Our research program is so important in keeping our overall program on the cutting edge,” says Dr. Watanabe. “It keeps us at the forefront of change.”

Researchers at the Drucker Brain Injury Center are currently investigating new medications and innovative treatment modalities that can enhance the lives of patients with TBI. One example is the Responsiveness Program, aimed at patients with minimal consciousness. It’s estimated that 40 percent of patients diagnosed as vegetative actually show signs of consciousness. This program has developed specific measures to effectively evaluate cognitive ability in this patient subset, with the goal of enhancing patient management and treatment.

The center is also involved in a study evaluating the effects of zolpidem (Ambien®) on patients with severe brain injury. Treatment with this drug has allowed certain vegetative patients to regain consciousness. And a cross-cultural study is evaluating whether patients in Denmark — which has a longer typical hospital stay and more extended rehabilitation coverage for patients with brain injury — have better outcomes than those in the U.S.

Research + Patient Care = Results

“Ultimately, the integration of research and clinical care that is characteristic of our programs allows us to better care for patients,” says John Whyte, MD, PhD, director, Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute. “Patients have access to the latest treatment modalities prior to their availability to the general public, and our leadership in the area of brain injury attracts physicians and staff with interest and expert knowledge in the field.”

The depth and breadth of the program have led to MossRehab’s designation as a TBI Model System by the National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation and Research. The facility has also received the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) subspecialty certification for traumatic brain injury.

“This recognition reflects MossRehab’s commitment to both cutting-edge research and patient care, which has set the stage for positive patient outcomes,” says Ruth Lefton, chief operating officer, MossRehab and Einstein at Elkins Park. “According to E-rehab data, our functional measures of patient improvement significantly exceed regional and national benchmarks.” In addition, 77 percent of brain injury patients from MossRehab facilities are eventually discharged to a home setting, again exceeding regional and national norms.

Physicians and staff at MossRehab are at the forefront of improving the lives of patients with TBI. To learn more about available programs or to refer a patient, call 1-800-CALL-MOSS (1-800-225-5667).