At Cumberland Hospital, we treat children and adolescents whose brain injuries impact their emotional outlook and behavior. Our clinicians help young people heal physically and emotionally in a nurturing environment using positive reinforcement and the latest medical techniques. We offer a comprehensive array of treatment services for traumatic brain injuries, from coma recovery to comprehensive acute rehabilitation.
We know that each patient’s physical, cognitive and emotional rehabilitative needs vary. Our clinical team designs a customized treatment plan for each patient by drawing on the myriad services available at the hospital. A thorough evaluation of each patient identifies specific levels and types of therapies, interventions and education that will best address that individual’s needs. Throughout treatment, patients learn ways to adapt physically and emotionally to their deficits. They also learn compensatory strategies to minimize the agitation that may be part of their brain injury recovery.
Each patient receives personalized treatment from a highly-trained interdisciplinary staff. Medical needs are directed by a pediatrician with training and experience in brain injury rehabilitation. Pediatric psychiatrists and neurologists are consulted as needed.
Some patients come to Cumberland Hospital in coma and do not require acute rehabilitation. Our staff provides the necessary treatment so as patients emerge from coma they can begin more intensive therapies. The latest proven coma recovery techniques are employed for optimum success.
Many young people who require Cumberland’s Traumatic Brain Injury services are those whose neurological impairments are complicated by severe behavioral problems and/or emotional issues. They may respond by being uninhibited, impulsive, frustrated and oppositional to the point of being aggressive. They are medically stable, but most require physical, occupational, speech and/or neuropsychological therapies to improve their functional abilities. They also require specific therapies to improve cognitive ability, develop behavioral control and improve their self-image.
Each patient’s rehabilitation, psychotherapies and activities are structured to provide an environment for repetition and reinforcement of new skills. Gradually, our staff reduces the amount of structure so the patient can practice handling his behaviors in more realistic situations.
Depending on their cognitive abilities, patients learn how to focus on tasks for specific time periods. They work on problem-solving, safety issues and sound decision-making. Patients also learn ways to self-manage explosive outbursts that may accompany brain injuries. Cumberland professionals use a “level” system to encourage acceptable behaviors. When a patient earns privileges, the patient receives an immediate reward for appropriate behaviors. If agitated behaviors are caused by damage to a specific portion of the brain rather than an emotional response to the patient’s deficits, then staff focuses on compensatory strategies for improved behavior control.