Neurological Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is a key component of the treatment plan for patients recovering from neurological disease or trauma. The primary goal of neurological rehabilitation is to help patients attain the highest level of independent functioning by preventing complications and reducing disability.

The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department and the Hearing and Speech Center at MedStar Washington Hospital Center specialize in acute care rehabilitation which begins immediately following an illness or injury.

Our dedicated team of professionals are experienced in working with patients recovering from a wide variety of medical conditions, including stroke, brain trauma, spinal cord injury/disease, neuromuscular disease and movement disorders. Our approach to care offers patients the benefit of treatment from our multidisciplinary team of experts. Depending on individual patient needs, physiatrists, physical and occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists are available on-site to work with patients, to diagnose impaired functionality and develop a plan to help restore function and compensate for lost skills.

Diagnostic Services

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department

• Electromyography
• Nerve conduction studies
• Physiatrist consultation

Hearing and Speech Center

• Speech and language evaluation
• Bedside swallow examination
• Modified Barium swallow
• Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
• Videostroboscopy and voice evaluation
• Cognitive-linguistic evaluation

Based on a clinical assessment of the patient, the therapist designs a customized rehabilitation treatment plan that may include any/all of the following:

• Training in activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, dressing, bathing, using the toilet, cooking, and basic home management
• Speech therapy (to help patients who are having trouble speaking, expressing their thoughts, or swallowing; to improve speech patterns, articulation, and oral communication)
• Activities to improve/regain muscle control in the upper and lower extremities, and trunk
• Exercise to improve range of motion, flexibility, and strength
• Gait and balance retraining
• Activities to improve cognitive impairments, such as difficulties with concentration, attention, memory, and judgment
• Education regarding the disability and rehabilitation process

Depending on individual abilities, therapy is provided either at the bedside or in one of three satellite gyms. The gyms are specifically designed and equipped to allow patients to practice independent living skills and higher level walking and/or balance tasks, such as stair climbing.

For more information, contact:

The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department -- (202) 877-6316

Hearing and Speech Center -- (202) 877-6717