Brain Injury Program | LifeScape

Brain Injury Program

Our Children’s Specialty Hospital Brain Injury Program provides high-quality care to children and young adults who are healing from a brain injury. Our team of experienced professionals will focus on overall health and recovery of skills lost by providing intensive therapy services and 24-hour medical care. Our team is dedicated to developing a treatment plan incorporating patient and family goals to achieve the best outcome.

Therapy Schedule

Patients admitted to the pediatric rehabilitation program are scheduled for up to three hours of therapy, Monday through Friday. On weekends, patients are seen both Saturday and Sunday for a half-day of therapies between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and noon.

Cutting-Edge Care

Assistive Technology/ Specialized Equipment

Our team is highly trained in assistive technology and the use of specialized equipment. They will assess for assistive technology needs utilizing a large selection of up to date technology and equipment that we have on hand to trial and use. Technology and equipment may be used to assist your child in achieving the best possible outcomes during their rehabilitation stay and beyond.

Some examples of assistive technology and specialized equipment:

  • Alternative communication devices: High-tech eye-gaze devices to lower-tech picture communication boards are available to promote independence with communication. Our highly trained speech-language pathologists will focus on communication and trial and will recommend alternative communication devices if needed.
  • Specialty switches: These allow for any type of movement to be used to control things such as a computer, power wheelchair, communication device, or phone.
  • Electrical stimulation (commonly referred to as e-stimand also known as neuromuscular electrical stimulation [NMES]): This involves the use of electrical current to stimulate the nerves or nerve endings. It innervates the muscle beneath the skin and helps to produce a muscle contraction.
  • Lite gait: A bodyweight supported device used for mobility training. Therapeutic intervention makes use of anti-gravity support and weight-bearing assistive devices, which are used to support patients as they work.
  • Environmental controls: We have the technology to help patients who may need to find new ways to access their environment. Through the use of Bluetooth technology, adapted switches and/or infrared controls, we can teach patients to be independent with things like turning on lights or tv, accessing the internet, playing video games, or using a smartphone.
  • Splinting and orthotics: We have professionals that are trained to make custom splints and orthotics for upper or lower extremities, as well as for spinal or cranial issues. The use of orthotics in rehabilitation can greatly impact function and independence.
  • Adaptive Equipment for Activities of Daily Living: Large selection pediatric adaptive equipment to support daily routines such as bathing and toileting. Proper equipment will help promote independence throughout the rehabilitation process as well help to identify the appropriate equipment needs for home.

Seating and Mobility

A wide variety of manual and power wheelchairs, pediatric strollers, and scooters are available and can be customized to meet your child’s needs. Proper seating and positioning is vital to progress in rehab, as it promotes good posture, enhances breathing and digestion, prevents complications such as pressure sores and skin irritation, slows further loss of mobility, minimizes pain, and maximizes function.


Discharge Planning: Going Home

  • Coordination of care: Our care coordinator and the team will assist in finding medical providers in your area and setting up any medical appointments your child may have during hospitalization and after discharge.
  • Community transition experiences are encouraged so families can practice therapy activities in real-life settings before going home. The rehab team will help coordinate community outings with specific goals for your child to help build his/her confidence and independence in getting back to community interests and routines.
  • Family conferences: The rehab team meets regularity with the patient and family throughout their rehabilitation journey to discuss progress and goals. We work with your child’s school to inform them of any special needs and to help with the transition back to school.
  • Therapists will assess, identify and recommend appropriate assistive devices and/or adaptive equipment for your child in preparation for discharge to home. The team will seek funding and ensure proper training prior to discharge.
  • The rehabilitation team will educate and train families, caregivers, and school personnel on specific needs, goals, or exercises your child may need in order to be discharged to home.