Pate Rehabilitation Announces Publication Showing the Effectiveness of Brain Injury Rehab

DALLAS, March 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Pate Rehabilitation, delivering evidence-based treatment and support programs for individuals recovering from acquired brain injuries (ABIs), today announced publication of a landmark article with evidence demonstrating post-acute rehabilitation as the standard of care following traumatic brain injury (TBI): Hayden M.E., Plenger P., Bison K., Kowalske K., Masel B., Qualls D. Treatment Effect Versus Pretreatment Recovery in Persons With traumatic brain injury: A Study Regarding the Effectiveness of Postacute Rehabilitation. PM R. 2013.

Since rehabilitation of traumatic brain injury began decades ago, there has been conflict about whether rehabilitation is necessary because there is "natural recovery." In 1970, research concluded that after brain cells die, they are not replaced. This belief prompted lack of hope for recovery of functioning following brain injury. In the late 1990s, as imaging technology progressed, research definitively showed that some critical parts of the brain continually develop new neurons throughout the life span. Current research involves extensive mapping of neurons and their connections throughout the brain. This research now shows that the connections between neurons can also evolve. These connections are greatly influenced by the interaction between the person's activity and their environment. Current knowledge about the regeneration and the connectivity of brain cells gives us considerable hope for recovery of function after injury.

At the same time in which we are learning more about regeneration and the connectivity of brain cells, the scientific journal, PM&R will be publishing an article by Mary Ellen Hayden (the founder of Pate Rehabilitation) et al (2013) showing evidence that post-acute brain injury rehabilitation yields significant gains in functioning with the appropriate environments and activities. The sample size (1274) included individuals with TBI of all severity levels who were treated up to five years after injury. The time since injury had a significant impact on gains in rehabilitation, showing that an earlier admission to rehabilitation results in higher overall life gains. It is suggested that future research endeavors focus not on whether rehabilitation works, but how rehabilitation can work more efficiently and effectively. Initial feedback in the brain injury rehabilitation community has been extremely positive, including many comments indicating "this means HOPE for individuals with traumatic brain injury!"

President Obama has reported his plan of decade-long scientific efforts to build a comprehensive map of the brain, which will bring even more hope for brain injured patients in the future.

About Pate Rehabilitation 

Pate Rehabilitation is dedicated to the treatment of individuals with acquired brain injuries, helping them return to the highest quality of life possible. With facilities in Anna, Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, Pate Rehabilitation provides personalized, evidence-based neuropsychological, cognitive, occupational, physical and speech therapies to advance and accelerate patient recovery. Recognizing that the impact of brain injury extends beyond the patient, Pate serves as a compassionate resource for family members, helping them meet the practical and emotional challenges of caring for persons with brain injuries. In addition to therapy, Pate is a leader in research, advocacy and education to advance understanding in the prevention of, and effective care for, brain injuries. To learn more about Pate Rehabilitation or acquired brain injury and its treatment, please visit www.paterehab.com or call 972-241-9334.

Marilee Blackwell
Pate Rehabilitation
mblackwell@paterehab.com
972-241-9334
http://www.paterehab.com

SOURCE Pate Rehabilitation