Specialized Treatment for Recovery After a Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation helps a person recover from a head injury. The main goals of TBI rehabilitation are to promote healing of the injury, treatment and optimization of post-traumatic sequelae, prevention of complications, and patient and family education with the aim of re-integration back into the community. TBI rehabilitation at Penn State Health is an interdisciplinary program of brain injury medicine physiatrists, physical and occupational therapists, speech therapists, neuropsychologists, nutritionists, nurses and recreational therapists. These specialists work together to deliver efficient, whole-patient care.

Our TBI Rehabilitation Services

Traumatic brain injuries result from an external force to the head or elsewhere in the body, resulting in structural and/or physiological alteration in brain function. Severity can range from mild concussions up to severe injuries. This can lead to alterations in cognition, behavior, coordination/balance, motor strength, and overall function. Our rehabilitation physicians, called physiatrists, are fellowship-trained and board-certified in brain injury medicine. Additionally, TBI treatment staff have special training in caring for patients with brain injuries..

Inpatient TBI Rehabilitation

We provide a comprehensive inpatient therapy program for patients with traumatic brain injury and continued functional needs. Once a patient is ready to move out of acute inpatient hospital care, our team also assists with transitioning across the TBI continuum of care to either inpatient rehabilitation at Penn State Health Rehabilitation Hospital, sub-acute rehabilitation, or outpatient care.

At Penn State Health Rehabilitation Hospital, patients receive individually-tailored treatment. Our dedicated brain injury therapy team works to improve any functional, cognitive, emotional or behavioral complications. As patients go through the program at the rehabilitation hospital, we work with them and their primary care providers to prepare them for a safe move home.

Outpatient TBI Rehabilitation

Recovery from TBI is a continual process. As patients progress, they will need continued medical management and therapies. As patients are discharged from the hospital, we provide continuity of care through a dedicated brain injury clinic that manages complications, such as headaches, mood disorders, balance and walking problems, and memory and concentration issues.

Why Choose Penn State Health for Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Fellowship-Trained Brain Injury Physicians

TBI rehabilitation at Penn State Health is directed by fellowship-trained brain injury medicine physiatrists. These specialty physicians have years of experience treating mild to severe brain injuries and the complications that come with them. Through in-depth evaluations, they provide effective care for TBI-related issues, such as headaches, weakness, spasticity, thinking problems, trouble walking and more.

Continuity of Care

We are committed to continuity of care because we know successful recoveries depend on it. From initial hospitalization to inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient care, our team stays with each patient until they are whole again.

Special Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit for Patients with Severe Neurobehavioral Issues

Some patients with severe TBIs experience disruptive behavioral problems that put them at risk for injuring themselves or others. These individuals often struggle to receive the care they need. At Penn State Health Rehabilitation Hospital, our locked brain injury unit provides treatment in a secure environment, so they can recover properly.

Support Groups

Support groups provide an opportunity to share your feelings and connect with other patients and caregivers who are experiencing similar struggles.

Learn more about support groups offered