Inpatient Rehabilitation Can Make All the Difference Following a Traumatic Brain or Spinal Cord Injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal cord injury can result in long-term or permanent disabilities that extend well beyond the individual’s original injury. Consequences can include loss of motor function or bladder control, life-threatening complications such as respiratory failure, and depression, anxiety, memory loss or other mental health issues.
Because the effects of these injuries are unique, individuals may need assistance in making the transition to their “new normal.” Inpatient rehabilitation programs and skilled nursing facilities provide support and treatment to help people recovering from a brain or spinal cord injury prepare to return home and to live as independently as possible.
Techniques used to stabilize, transport and manage the patient’s care immediately following the trauma can significantly influence the prognosis. Inpatient rehabilitation centers can often save injured patients unnecessary pain or long-term medical costs by providing pre-emptive care.
The Goal of Inpatient Rehabilitation
The primary goal of rehabilitation is to prevent complications, provide patient education and begin early mobilization if and when possible. This is designed to help the patient become as independent as possible and to achieve the functional mobility necessary for everyday living, work and recreation. These early interventions during the acute stage of a patient’s recovery may include respiratory management, skin care, early strengthening and range of motion. Other services provided by many of these facilities include dietary care, gastronomy, and psycho-social support for those coming to terms with their injuries.
Most people with a new TBI or spinal cord injury will need inpatient rehabilitation to gain independence and learn new ways to do activities of daily living. After completing rehabilitation in the acute-care hospital, social workers usually guide the patients and their families in making choices for various inpatient rehabilitation facilities.
When Should Patients Consider Inpatient Rehabilitation
Patients typically move to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital during the active rehabilitation phase where the patient is medically stable and is better equipped to achieve the goals toward independence. This is a critical time for recovery because this is when the patient will make most of their motor skill gains. Improvements made during this period can set the stage for the patient’s long-term recovery. While TBI and spinal cord injury patients require rigorous physical and occupational therapy, the injuries and pace of the recovery are unique to each individual. A specialized plan is usually designed in inpatient rehabilitation facilities to help the patient maximize the efficacy of their recovery.
Tools for TBI and Spinal Cord Injury Patients
While it may be uncommon for facilities to accept patients on liens, Power Liens has recently begun a relationship with a facility in the San Fernando Valley that offers all of the aforementioned services on lien:
Additionally, Power Liens’ President Naz Yari serves as Vice Chairman of the Brain Society of California, a nonprofit organization that serves as a resource to brain-injured individuals and their support networks at the most difficult time in their lives. The Brain Society of California regularly holds events and webinars to help the med-legal community enhance the quality of life for those affected by brain injury, including patients, survivors, families, and caregivers through education, advocacy, collaboration, and support.
Power Liens is open remotely and we remain committed to empowering the injured with quality physicians. We have the industry’s most robust online directory with over 28+ specialties, across the entire state of California. Completely free to use and no sign up required, attorneys can be comfortable accessing our network without us getting in the middle — no commissions or referral fees. You can even strengthen your case by allowing your client to pick their doctor themselves!