Brain Injury Rehabilitation Outpatient Program

Our clinicians practice a multidisciplinary team approach to your rehabilitation. Working closely with you and your family, we aim to addresses your physical, functional and psychosocial needs by using evidence-based treatment practices and techniques. Rehabilitation program components include comprehensive evaluations, goal-setting with input from you and your family members, and customized treatment programs. Clinicians also offer education and support groups for brain injury survivors and your families.

The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Programs of the Spaulding Rehabilitation Network’s Outpatient Centers provide an unsurpassed level of expertise in brain injury care. Our highly experienced team consists of physiatrists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, social workers, nutritionists, and program managers, collaborating to ensure your maximum recovery.

The Outpatient Centers of the Spaulding Rehabilitation Network have on-site clinical leaders who direct the Brain Injury Rehabilitation outpatient programs.

The Spaulding Rehabilitation Network is dedicated to researching new treatments in the field of brain injury rehabilitation. Our researchers, including physicians and other clinicians, oversee ongoing research studies and clinical trials, such as those listed below.

Research Program
Department of Defense consortium

Description
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston is participating in a historic, 5-year grant project as part of a nationwide clinical consortium formed by the Department of Defense. The consortium was created to conduct a long-term study on the effects of Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Spaulding is one of only 10 sites nationwide participating in this study and is the only rehabilitation hospital in the country so honored.


Research Program
Traumatic Brain Injury Model System

Description
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston is a National Center of Excellence in brain injury rehabilitation, and the only hospital in Massachusetts that is a Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (TBIMS) follow-up site.


Research Program
Traumatic Brain Injury Commission

Description
Currently Case Management is assigned to the Traumatic Brain Injury Commission run by Senator Harriette L. Chandler to help investigate current availability of resources and research gaps within the care and discharge options for brain-injured individuals.


Research Program
Effect of Zolpidem on Restoration of Consciousness Following TBI

Description
Researcher: Ross Zafonte, DO. Spaulding is currently conducting a research study on the drug zolpidem, an FDA-approved medication to treat sleep-related issues. The purpose of the study is to investigate whether zolpidem can help to restore consciousness in individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury.


Research Program
Effects of light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) on Memory for TBI Patients

Description
Researcher: Ross Zafonte, DO. LED is a form of light therapy that has been used safely and effectively since the mid-1960s. Applications include wound healing, reduction of edema and inflammation, and prevention of tissue loss. Recent studies indicate the possibility of a beneficial effect of LED when used to treat TBI. The purpose of this research study is to investigate whether transcranial, high-intensity LED applied outside the skull can improve working memory in TBI patients.


Research Program
Effects of Amantidine on the Treatment of Chronic TBI Irritability and Aggression

Description
Researcher: Ross Zafonte, DO. Irritability and aggression are common, yet difficult to treat, symptoms of TBI. Amantadine is an FDA-approved drug that is used to treat influenza A, Parkinson's disease, and other similar conditions. A recent, single-site study has indicated the possibility of a beneficial effect of Amantidine on the treatment of irritability and aggression in TBI patients. The purpose of this research study is to investigate whether Amantadine is effective in treating irritability and aggression in patients with TBI.


Research Program:
Combining Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation and Motor Training in Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors with Attentional Deficits

Description:
We will study the effect of combining GVS and motor training in a small cohort of TBI survivors. Our patients will receive GVS while undertaking motor training delivered via a robotic system with virtual reality modules. Subjects will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment conditions: active GVS and sham GVS (control). We will assess functional outcomes from the treatment via cognitive testing, functional motor tests, tests with the robotic system and questionnaires.


Research Program:
The Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Functional Task Training on Motor Recovery in Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors

Description:
The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that tDCS combined with upper-extremity functional task training in a virtual environment, is more effective than functional task training in the virtual environment with sham tDCS.

Brain Injury Rehabilitation outpatient programs are based at these Spaulding Rehabilitation Network locations:

Outpatient
Spaulding Outpatient Center Medford
Spaulding Outpatient Center Salem
Spaulding Outpatient Center Boston
Spaulding Outpatient Center Framingham
Spaulding Outpatient Center Wellesley
Spaulding Outpatient Center Orleans
Spaulding Outpatient Center Plymouth
Spaulding Outpatient Center Sandwich
Spaulding for Children Eileen M. Ward Outpatient Center Sandwich
Spaulding Outpatient Center Yarmouth

The following services are related to the Brain Injury Rehabilitation outpatient program at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Network:

Assistive Technology (ATEC)/ Alternative and Augmentative Communication (ACC)
Bioness
Body-Weight Supported Ambulation Training
Brace Clinic/Prosthetics Clinic
Predriving Evaluation
Lokomat