OTHER TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY SERVICES

Neuropsychiatrists:
A Neuropsychiatrist is a medically trained doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of the psychological, emotional and behavioral problems resulting from brain injuries or illnesses. Typical complications may include depression, anxiety/agitation, impulsivity, aggression, thought or perceptual disorders, decreased mental endurance, adjustment difficulties, etc. Neuropsychiatrists offer treatment in the form of psycho pharmacological intervention (i.e. medication management) as well as counseling and psychotherapy for patients and their families. Neuropsychiatrists often consult on acute medical and rehabilitation units, and may follow some patients on a longer-term basis.

Neurologists:
The Neurologist is a medically trained doctor specializing in diseases of the nervous system that includes the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves in the rest of the body. The Neurologist is responsible for the diagnosis and management of patients' neurological and medical conditions. On the rehabilitation unit, the Neurologist works closely with Rehabilitation Nursing and the Rehabilitation Team to closely monitor patients' neurological and physical recovery. The Neurologist may be the physician who prescribes the medical, physical and cognitive treatment programs. The Neurologist may also have other physician specialists consult as necessary.

Neuropsychologist:
The Neuropsychologist is specially trained to evaluate and treat the ways in which alteration in brain functioning may affect your thinking processes, your behavior, or your emotions. The Neuropsychologist is also concerned with the special issues of adjusting to the physical and cognitive changes brought about by a neurological injury or illness. In addition to providing neuropsychological evaluations and cognitive rehabilitation, either directly or by supervising others, the Neuropsychologist may also see the patient and their family for education and/or to assist with psychological adjustment.

Physiatrist:
The Physiatrist is a medically trained doctor specializing in rehabilitation. This physicians expertise is the functional assessment and treatment of various musculoskeletal and neurological disabilities. On the rehabilitation unit, the Physiatrist may serve as the team leader to coordinate and oversee the efforts of other healthcare professionals. The Physiatrist may be the doctor who prescribes the patients treatment programs, and may consult with other physician specialists as necessary.

Consulting Clinical Specialists:
During the rehabilitation process, the individual’s physician may rely on the expertise and experience of a variety of specialists to help provide comprehensive care. Should the need arise, the individual’s doctor may arrange a consultation with one or more of the following:

• Cardiologist
  
• Dentist/Oral Surgeon
  
• Dermatologist
  
• Endocrinologist
  
• Gastroenterologist
  
• Gynecologist
  
• Neurologist
  
• Neuropsychologist
  
• Neuro-Ophthalmologist
  
• Neurosurgeon
  
• Orthopedist
  
• Otorhinolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat Physician)
  
• Physiatrist
  
• Plastic Surgeon
  
• Podiatrist
  
• Psychiatrist
  
• Pulmonary Physician
  
• Radiologist
  
• Urologist
  

Chemical Dependency/Sobriety Services
In New York State, clinics are licensed to provide outpatient and inpatient chemical dependency/sobriety/substance abuse services through the New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS). Inpatient services can be 24-hour emergency services, 28-day intensive services and long term outpatient clinic services. Few OASAS clinics have a specialty in special populations, but some do. It is important to ask the program if they are familiar with and work with individuals with TBI. For example, in New York City there are two sobriety programs that have a specialty in substance abuse and TBI.

Housing
The Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) helps individuals find, lease or buy, and settle into residential settings. Individuals can live in their own house or apartment and obtain housing supports from the OMRDD. If individuals need more than this support, community residences are available. To be eligible for these services, individuals must have sustained their TBI before the age of 22.

HUD has a variety of programs, which facilitate individuals in buying homes as well as creating a connection for low-income families with affordable rented apartments. HUD along with Section 8 vouchers help those individuals with disabilities by providing grants to non-profit agencies. The money is used to build houses with supportive services for low-income, disabled people. At this time, this service is temporarily not available.

Support Groups

• Hope
  
• Information
  
• Friendship
  
• Sharing
  
• Problem-solving
  
• Personal growth
  
• Contact with others who care and are in similar situations
  
• A place to find courage
  
• Self advocacy
  

There may be support groups just for individuals with brain injury, spouses or siblings, or all together. They may meet in the morning, evening, of afternoon. The support groups may meet at a community center, hospital or rehabilitation facility. Most support groups are facilitated by a volunteer leader who works to keep the discussion moving. There are also a number of "chat rooms" available on the Internet to provide similar support via the computer. This may work well for individuals who cannot physically get to a support group meeting. In addition, some organizations offer support groups that are specific to a particular illness, such as the Stroke Association, the Epilepsy Foundation and the Alzheimer's Association.

Transportation
Reduced-Fare Programs: In New York City, the MTA Reduced-Fare MetroCard is a special MetroCard for senior citizens and people with qualifying disabilities. The MTA Reduced-Fare Phone Line is (718) 243-4999. Many communities provide similar services. You can obtain information from your local transit authority.

Access-a-Ride – New York City Transits paratransit service, Access-A-Ride, will provide origin-to-destination transportation within New York City on an advance reservation basis to persons who, because of a physical or mental disability, are unable to use public transit buses or subways. For additional information call (718) 694-3581.

Driving Evaluation and Training – Many persons with disabilities need specialized evaluation and training to prepare for the state drivers license test or to be safe drivers. Programs designed for this purpose includes pre-driver evaluation, on-the-road evaluation, on-the-road driver training, instruction in the use of adaptive equipment and assistance in preparing for and taking the state drivers license test.