Recovering From Brain Injury
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Support Group
Accreditation
Outcomes

Recovering From Brain Injury [ top ]

Did you know that every 15 seconds, someone in the U.S. receives a brain injury?

An estimated 5.3 million Americans live with disabilities from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The leading causes of TBI are: motor vehicle accidents, falls, and recreational activities. Brain injury can affect individuals physically, cognitively, emotionally, behaviorally, and vocationally.

IERH serves people with brain injury through comprehensive integrated INPATIENT and OUTPATIENT Programs. We specialize in the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults. Working with the Mission of IERH, our goal is to give people the opportunity to live life to its fullest. Our focus is to help people with brain injury become as independent as possible in their home, community and school or professional life. Our admission criteria provide opportunities for full evaluation of each person's potential for recovery.

Our interdisciplinary treatment teams combine the knowledge of many medical professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each person. A physiatrist, a physician who specializes in rehabilitation medicine, directs the INPATIENT and OUTPATIENT Programs. The treatment teams include a:

• Neuropsycologist
  
• Social Worker
  
• Nurse Case Manager
  
• Speech Therapist
  
• Physical Therapist
  
• Occupational Therapist
  
• Recreation Therapist
  
• Dietician
• Other Health Care Professionals as Needed

Patients, their families, employers, school representatives, and external case managers are encouraged to participate fully with the treatment teams.

Both the INPATIENT and OUTPATIENT Programs are accredited by CARF: The Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission. Only by meeting and exceeding rigorous standards set by CARF can we claim this benchmark of achievement.

Need to Know More?
If you need additional information about the BRAIN INJURY PROGRAMS, or other services available at the Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Hospital, please call us at (208) 489-4444.

Mild traumatic brain injury is often called "THE UNSEEN INJURY" because the person may not lose consciousness and may appear fine physically. People with mild brain injury are frequently treated and released from emergency rooms. Physicians and family members may miss initial symptoms.

After a mild brain injury, call the emergency department or return immediately if you experience:

• Severe or Worsening Headache
  
• Sleepiness or Confusion
  
• Unusual Restlessness, Unsteady Walking, or Seizures
  
• Difficulty Seeing Clearly
  
• Nausea/Vomiting
  
• Stiff Neck
  
• Fever (temperature greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit by mouth)
  
• Bleeding from the nose, mouth, or ears
  
• Weakness of an arm or leg

A physician should evaluate you if any of the following persist:

• Difficulty finding words when speaking
  
• Difficulty concentrating
  
• Difficulty remembering
  
• Difficulty thinking clearly
  
• Irritability; moodiness
  
• Difficulty controlling impulses
  
• Depression, anxiety
  
• Quick loss of temper
  
• Coordination problems
  
• Balance disturbance

Support Group [ top ]

The Treasure Valley Brain Injury Support Group was founded in 1984. The primary objective of the Support Group is to provide support and education to persons who have sustained a brain injury and their family and friends.
There is no charge for participation in the group. Education is provided by professionals from the community during the first half of each meeting.

The second half of the meeting is organized as support groups for (1) persons who have had a brain injury and (2) their family and friends. The groups provide a safe place in which people can share experiences and problem solve with support from each other. The support group is in no way considered a "therapy group". Facilitators are present for assistance with topic maintenance and referrals to more formal therapy, if necessary.

It is the philosophy of the group that the support of others struggling with similar issues can decrease the feelings of isolation and loneliness frequently experienced.

Prior to each meeting, information can be mailed to you. Contact Greg Meyer at (208) 489-4963 to be placed on the mailing list or for other information.

Accreditation[ top ]

Certification of Brain Injury Specialists (CBIS):
This program certification is governed by the American Academy for the Certification of Brain Injury Specialists (AACBIS) and is administered by the Brain Injury Association of America in McLean, Virginia. The training and certification exam are based on the AACBIS Third Edition Manual and is intended for paraprofessionals and professionals at all levels who want a strong foundation in the best practices in brain injury rehabilitation.

Outcomes[ top ]

To view the Traumatic Brain Injury Program Outcomes for 2004.
Please click on the link.
To view the Traumatic Brain Injury Program Outcomes for 2005.
Please click on the link.
To view the Traumatic Brain Injury Program Outcomes for 2006.
Please click on the link.

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