Brain Injury Program
WakeMed Rehab - Brain Injury Rehabilitation System (BIRS)
WakeMed's Brain Injury Rehabilitation System is the areas largest and most comprehensive brain injury program, serving over 200 brain injury survivors a year.
It is an integrated continuum of care capable of providing rehabilitative services to brain injury survivors of all levels of acuity and severity. Services often begin with WakeMed's Level I Trauma Center, which treats over 100 traumatic brain injuries per year.
Rehabilitative services are often initiated within 24 hours of injury. Other regional trauma centers often refer patients for rehabilitative services as soon as they are medically stabilized.
The goal of early intervention is to prevent secondary disability and shorten acute hospital stays by facilitating early transition to a full rehabilitation setting. Early rehabilitation intervention is associated with better outcomes in brain injury.
An 8-bed unit specializing in the treatment of the most severe brain injuries. These patients are often variable in their ability to participate in and tolerate therapy. The Neuro Care unit allows for highly individualized treatment carefully adapted to each patient's needs and capabilities.
A 84-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital serving more moderate brain injury survivors. These patients receive 24 hour rehabilitation nursing and participate in 3.5 hours of therapy per day and have an average length of stay of 19 days. Treatment is driven by the patient's level of cognitive function and recovery.
WakeMed's Raleigh Campus day treatment program is for survivors with milder brain injuries or who have recovered from more severe injuries. They are for survivors with milder brain injuries or who have recovered from more severe injuries. These patients no longer require inpatient medical support and reside in the community; however, they still require fairly intensive rehabilitative services. Treatment at this phase is directed towards community, school, or work reentry.
Almost as important as treatment of the survivor is the need for education and support of the survivor's family. Family education is initiated as early possible and continues throughout the survivor's participation in BIRS. Linked below are several samples of our educational materials. Clinical Case Managers coordinate care, provide support, and help families navigate the difficult and complex process of recovery from brain injury. Family support groups are also available.
Your Loved One is in Good Hands
WakeMed's Brain Injury Rehabilitation System is the area's only program accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation Rehabilitative Facilities (CARF) for the provision of brain injury, inpatient and outpatient services for both children and adults.
For more information about services offered through WakeMed Rehab, please call 919-350-7876
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Brain Injury Patient Education Notebook
