Director: Vani Rao, M.D.
The Brain Injury Clinic offers psychiatric services to patients, 18 years and older, who have sustained brain brain injury due to any cause. Common causes of of brian injury include trauma, infection, stroke and degenerative brain diseases. These injuries are often associated with problems in thinking, mood and/or behavior, which can cause immense suffering to the patient and family. Treatment of these problems includes both medications and non-medication strategies. Our goal in the care of patients with ABI is to minimize disability and maximize productivity.
Click here for an overview article (PDF format) of psychiatric problems following traumatic brain injury. Similar psychiatric illnesses are seen in people with other types of acquired brain injuries. Article is reprinted with permission of Psychosomatics, Copyright (2000). American Psychiatric Association.
Brain Injury Clinic
Mason Lord Building, West Tower, 3rd Floor
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
DIRECTIONS to the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical CenterContact: Beatrice Robbins, A.P.R.N., B.C.
Phone: 410-550-0019
Email: brobbins@jhmi.edu
SERVICES OFFERED
The Brain Injury Clinic provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment of psychiatric problems associated with acquired brain injury. Initial patient evaluation usually takes about three to four hours. The patient will first meet with clerical staff regarding administrative matters. He/she will next be evaluated by a member of the clinical staff, and then will have a comprehensive evaluation with the psychiatrist. The patient and family will be interviewed separately first and then together to protect the patient’s confidentiality and to obtain as much information as possible. The evaluation will include personal and social history, family history of medical and psychiatric problems, medical and medication history, personal psychiatric history, and a detailed review of the present complaints. The evaluation will also include physical examination and cognitive testing. At the end of the initial evaluation the working diagnosis and treatment plan will be discussed.
Wherever necessary, other evaluations will be scheduled. They include:
- Blood tests
- Brain imaging (i.e. CT, MRI, SPECT, or PET scans)
- Cognitive testing
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
- Brain wave recording (i.e. electroencephalogram/EEG)
- Driving assessment
- Physical therapy evaluation
- Occupational therapy evaluation
- Speech therapy evaluation
A family and patient conference will be held after these tests are completed at which time the psychiatrist will discuss the results and the diagnosis.
Initial appointments can be scheduled by calling the clinic nurse manager, Ms. Beatrice Robbins at 410-550-0019. A referral letter is not necessary. Patients are encouraged to bring pertinent medical records (including results of blood work), x-rays and current medication at the time of their initial evaluation.
Follow-Up Visits
Follow-up visits will be scheduled with the clinic staff. Duration between follow-up visits can range from one to four weeks. The visits usually last for about 30-60 minutes. Visits with the psychiatrist will occur about every three months or earlier whenever medically indicated. Follow-up visits with clinic staff will focus on illness education, non-medication treatment of mood, thinking, and behavioral problems, social issues and caregiver support. Follow-up visits with the psychiatrist will focus on medication treatment and other unresolved social issues. Clinicians are regularly available for telephone consultation. Steps will be taken to ensure that care is coordinated with the patient's primary care doctor when appropriate.
Consultations
The Brain Injury Clinic also evaluates patients and families in a one-time consultation. Either patients or physicians can call the clinic nurse manager to set up a consultation appointment. A consultation note and follow-up telephone call to the referring physician will be provided.
Hospitalizations
Psychiatric hospitalization of patients with mood and behavior problems associated with brain injury is sometimes necessary. The Brain Injury Clinic has a close affiliation with the Memory and Neuropsychiatry Unit and the Geriatric Psychiatry Unit at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Both have extensive experience caring for patients with brain injury.
Clinic Staff
The Brain Injury Clinic is staffed by an interdisciplinary team composed of a neuropsychiatrist, a geriatric psychiatrist, registered nurse therapists and licensed counselors. In addition, the team also works closely with the Johns Hopkins Bayview case management services, home health care services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and neuropsychology.
Faculty: Saeed Salahinia, M.D.
Nurse Manager: Beatrice Robbins, A.P.R.N., B.C.
Therapists: Linda Ovitt, A.P.R.N.
Bernadette Sroka, M.S., L.C.P.C.
Sharon Keach, M.S., L.C.P.C.
May Jo Kahler, A.P.R.N.
Family and Caregiver Issues
The staff of the Brain Injury Clinic is sensitive to the needs of the families and caregivers of brain-injured patients. Family members/caregivers are encouraged to attend follow-up visits with patients. They are also encouraged to meet with the clinic staff in private if necessary to discuss caregiver issues.
Cost of Outpatient Visits
Medicare, Medicaid and many other commercial insurance plans (EHP, USFHP with authorization, BC/BS Federal-standard) are accepted and often cover some of the cost for initial evaluation. Verification of all private insurance must be made prior to an appointment being scheduled. When applicable, patient co-payments are expected at the time of service. Information about insurance coverage and co-payments can be obtained by contacting the clinic nurse manager, Ms. Beatrice Robbins.
RESEARCH
There are a number of ongoing and planned research projects at Johns Hopkins for which patients and their families may be eligible. Participation in research is not required. The care of the patient and family will continue even if patients are not interested in research. If you have any questions about our research, please contact Vani Rao, M.D., Director, Brain Injury Program at 410-955-6158 or email vrao1@jhmi.edu
PHILANTHROPY
The Brain Injury Clinic strives to maintain the Johns Hopkins philosophy of excellence in patient care, research and teaching. It is currently financed by revenues obtained from clinical work. If you are interested in supporting our goals to enhance patient care, research or educational activities and would like to make a contribution, please contact the clinic director, Vani Rao, M.D. at vrao1@jhmi.edu or Jessica Preiss Lunken, Director of Development for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at 410-516-6251 or jlunken1@jhmi.edu.
