The Center for Head Injuries The Brain Trauma Unit

The Center for Head Injuries

The Brain Trauma Unit

The Brain Trauma Unit (BTU) is the acute comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation component of the Center for Head Injuries. Located within the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute at JFK Medical Center in Edison, the BTU utilizes an integrated interdisciplinary approach to provide rehabilitation to adults who have sustained acquired brain injuries. As the first phase of brain injury rehabilitation following medical stabilization, the BTU serves patients with various levels of disability and impairment ranging from patients who are emerging from a coma with significant medical, physical, and cognitive problems to patients who are ambulatory, but demonstrate difficulties with self-care activities, community mobility, behavior, cognition and communication.

The evaluation and treatment of patients on the BTU is performed by an interdisciplinary team and is directed toward improving mobility, activities of daily living, communication and cognitive skills. Each patient on the BTU receives daily visits by a rehabilitation medicine physician and is provided 24-hour nursing care, as well as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and neuropsychology. In addition, social workers meet with the patient and family throughout the hospital stay. Recreation therapy activities are included when appropriate.

The BTU provides a structured, therapeutic environment in combination with individual treatment plans to address issues regarding awareness, behavior and safety. Therapy programs are developed based on the results of a comprehensive evaluation by an interdisciplinary team and may include individual and group sessions that focus on the goals of each patient. The patients are evaluated by the team for specific needs regarding appropriate level of supervision and use of safety equipment while on the unit. Strategies for management of cognitive deficits are included in the treatment plan.

Important aspects of the BTU program are education, training and support for the patient and the family. This is designed to facilitate an understanding of the recovery process and to help the family adjust to the needs of their family member. Family conferences and training sessions are scheduled to involve the family in the rehabilitation process and in decisions regarding future rehabilitation needs.

Rehabilitation services are often needed after patients complete their stay on the BTU. The Center for Head Injuries provides a continuum of care that includes acute rehabilitation on the Brain Trauma Unit, subacute rehabilitation at the Extended Recovery Unit, a Transitional Living program and an Outpatient Cognitive Rehabilitation program. The continuum is designed to provide a comprehensive program to serve the needs of patients with Brain Injury through all phases of recovery.

The Brain Trauma Unit is accredited by CARF and JCAHO.

REFERRALS: To make a patient referral or to receive additional information, call Client Services at (732) 321-7733.