Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program
Spaulding provides state-of-the-art rehabilitative care for individuals who are recovering from an acquired brain injury as a result of traumatic causes (such as an accident) or non-traumatic causes (such as an aneurysm), including those in a vegetative or minimally conscious state due to severe brain injury. Our team is dedicated to helping individuals to return to a life that is as independent and productive as possible.
We provide a continuum of services from complex medical care to inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. Patients and families have access to an unmatched range of services and programs – from advanced evaluation technologies to evidence-based rehabilitation programs to extensive family and community resources.
Approach to Care
Our approach to care at Spaulding is patient-centered. Our experienced clinicians are specially trained to evaluate and treat the physical, cognitive, and behavioral consequences of brain injury. The team focuses on both the recovery of the patient and the education and support of the family.
The patient and the family are important members of the team and are asked to share their goals for the treatment plan. Family members can serve as motivators and historians, relaying past interests and aspects of the individual’s personality. We teach family members how to assist with therapeutic activities while at Spaulding to prepare for discharge to home and into the community.
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston offers a unique Neurotrauma Outreach Program, which provides education and advocacy training for the families of brain injury patients. This program, led by the co-founder of the Brain Injury Association of America, provides patients, families, and friends with access to an on-site Resource Center, support and educational groups, specific training in the art of advocacy and connections with the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts.
The Spaulding Network has developed a highly specialized clinical treatment program for brain injury patients with disorders of consciousness. This innovative program, offered in Boston and Cambridge, provides treatment for those in minimally conscious and vegetative states, using the latest evidence-based clinical interventions. Patients may also be eligible for research studies using functional neuroimaging and medications to help improve clinical outcomes.
Expertise
Our clinical case managers help to guide patients and families to the right level of care across the continuum, including access to a wide range of community-based providers.
Our physicians, nurses, therapists and other specialists in brain injury rehabilitation bring specialized experience and world-class expertise to the patients in their care. They know that brain injury rehabilitation is perhaps the greatest challenge that patients and their families will ever face. Through a team effort, they provide unwavering commitment and support to help patients and family members stay hopeful, determined, and strong.
Our staff of brain injury specialists is diverse and comprehensive, providing the right type of care at the right time for every patient. Professionals on the treatment team typically include physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, respiratory therapists, neuropsychologists, behavioral psychologists, neuro-psychiatrists, social workers, therapeutic recreation specialists, and clinical dieticians. Pastoral care is also available.
Program Director(s)
Spaulding Boston
Brain Injury Program Interim Medical Director: Benton Giap, MD
Benton Giap, MD is a physician specializing in the rehabilitation of brain injuries at Spaulding Boston. Dr. Giap's research interests include brain injury, care using pharmacology, spasticity and its management as well as healthcare re-design. Dr. Giap received his medical degree at the University of Texas at Houston and completed his residency at Baylor College of Medicine's Physicial Medicine and Rehabilitation Department.
Spaulding Cape Cod
Medical Director: Dr. Gregory Malloy
Gregory Malloy, MD, is a physician specializing in rehabilitation medicine at Spaulding Cape Cod. Dr. Malloy, who's clinical interests include stroke, brain and spinal cord injury, functional electrical stimulation and orthopedic rehabilitation, is dedicated to inpatient services at SCC. Dr. Malloy received his medical degree at New York Medical College and served his residency at the University of Washington’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Spaulding Boston and Spaulding Cambridge
Disorders of Consciousness Program Director: Joseph Giacino, PhD
Joseph T. Giacino, PhD, Director of Rehabilitation Neuropsychology for the Spaulding Rehabilitation Network works to assess and develop interventions designed for persons with severe acquired brain injuries. Dr. Giacino’s work in assessment has focused on developing neurobehavioral and functional neuroimaging methodologies to characterize the pathophysiologic, neurocognitive, neurobehavioral and functional sequelae of severe acquired brain injuries.
Research & Innovation
Spaulding Rehabilitation Network is dedicated to researching new treatments in the field of brain injury rehabilitation. Spaulding researchers, including physicians and other clinicians, are working on several research studies and clinical trials.
Research Program
Department of Defense consortium
Description
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston is participating in a historic, 5-year grant project as part of a nationwide clinical consortium formed by the Department of Defense. The consortium was created to conduct a long-term study on the effects of Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Spaulding is one of only 10 sites nationwide participating in this study and is the only rehabilitation hospital in the country so honored.
Research Program
Traumatic Brain Injury Model System
Description
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston is a National Center of Excellence in brain injury rehabilitation, and the only hospital in Massachusetts that is a Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (TBIMS) follow-up site.
Research Program
Traumatic Brain Injury Commission
Description
Currently Case Management is assigned to the Traumatic Brain Injury Commission run by Senator Harriette L. Chandler to help investigate current availability of resources and research gaps within the care and discharge options for brain injured individuals.
Research Program
Effect of Zolpidem on Restoration of Consciousness Following TBI
Description
Researcher: Ross Zafonte, DO. Spaulding is currently conducting a research study on the drugzolpidem, an FDA-approved medication to treat sleep-related issues. The purpose of the study is to investigate whether zolpidem can help to restore consciousness in individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury.
Research Program
Effects of light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) on Memory for TBI Patients
Description
Researcher: Ross Zafonte, DO. LED is a form of light therapy that has been used safely and effectively since the mid 1960s. Applications include wound healing, reduction of edema and inflammation, and prevention of tissue loss. Recent studies indicate the possibility of a beneficial effect of LED when used to treat TBI. The purpose of this research study is to investigate whether transcranial, high-intensity LED applied outside the skull can improve working memory in TBI patients.
Research Program
Effects of Amantidine on the Treatment of Chronic TBI Irritability and Aggression
Description
Researcher: Ross Zafonte, DO. Irritability and aggression are common, yet difficult to treat, symptoms of TBI. Amantadine is an FDA-approved drug that is used to treat influenza A, Parkinson's disease, and other similar conditions. A recent, single-site study has indicated the possibility of a beneficial effect of Amantidine on the treatment of irritability and aggression in TBI patients. The purpose of this research study is to investigate whether Amantadine is effective in treating irritability and aggression in patients with TBI.
Locations
Brain Injury Rehabilitation is offered at these Spaulding locations:
Inpatient
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston
Spaulding Hospital Cambridge
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Cape Cod
Spaulding Hospital for Continuing Medical Care North Shore
Spaulding Nursing and Therapy Center North End
Outpatient
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston
Spaulding Hospital Cambridge
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Cape Cod
Spaulding Hospital for Continuing Medical Care North Shore
Related Services
The following services are related to the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program at Spaulding.
Assistive Technology (ATEC)/ Alternative and Augmentative Communication (ACC)
Bioness H200 and L300
Bi-PAP and C-PAP
Central lines
Dragon computer program for voice-activated technology
Lite gait
Management of feeding tubes
Management of VAC dressings
Neuromove
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (includingVital Stim)
Saeboflex
Telemetry
Ventilator Rehabilitation
Wii device for exercise and technology
Wound care
Spaulding Now Newsletter
The quarterly publication of Spaulding Rehabilitation Network and the Harvard School of Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine.
