Brain Injury

Brain Injury Recovery at Mary Free Bed Kids

At Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, we help kids and teens heal, grow and thrive after a brain injury. Our team combines advanced therapies, expert care and heartfelt support to help every child reach their fullest potential. Every recovery journey is unique—and so is our approach. We’re here to restore hope, rebuild confidence and bring back a whole lot of smiles.

What is a brain injury?

A brain injury happens when the brain is hurt or damaged. This can affect how a person moves, talks, walks, thinks and remembers things. There are two kinds of brain injuries:

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the head is hit or moved violently during a sudden impact like a car crash, fall or sports injury.
A non-traumatic brain injury occurs when something inside the body harms the brain, like an illness, infection or a tumor.

How does the brain work?

Your brain is like a supercomputer that controls everything you do—from walking and talking to thinking and feeling.

The left side of the brain controls logic, math, science and speech.
The right side of the brain manages creativity, imagination and emotional awareness.

An injury to either side can impact movement, communication, memory or emotions—but with therapy and support, children can relearn and regain skills.

Home Runs and Heart: Lucas’ Brain Injury Recovery Journey

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The Path to Recovery

Healing from a brain injury takes time, patience and teamwork. Our Pediatric Brain Injury Program follows an evidence-based structure with built-in tools to track your child’s progress.

The Rancho Los Amigos Scale

This tool helps our team track recovery through eight stages—from early responses to purposeful, independent activity. Each stage helps us customize therapies and goals for your child.

Therapy and Rehabilitation

Every day is designed to build strength, confidence and independence. Your child will participate in a variety of therapeutic activities, including:

Physical, occupational and speech therapy
Recreational, music and art therapy
Educational support • Family involvement and emotional care

We make therapy fun and meaningful by using age-appropriate tools, adaptive technology and a child-centered approach.

Our Expert Team

Your child will be supported by a compassionate, multidisciplinary team, including:

Physiatrists (Rehabilitation doctors)
Nurses and care managers
Physical, occupational and speech therapists
Neuropsychologists and psychologists
Recreational, art and music therapists
Registered dietitians
Respiratory therapists
Certified teachers for school support
Therapy dogs who motivate and comfort patients

Together, we create a personalized care plan focused on restoring strength, confidence and independence.

Life After Inpatient Care

When your child “graduates” from our inpatient program, recovery doesn’t stop there. We offer:

Outpatient therapy
Home and community health care.
Ongoing support for families and caregivers

Our goal is to make sure every child continues progressing—safely and successfully—at home, at school and in their community.

Safety and Prevention

To help prevent another injury:

Always wear a helmet when biking, skating or playing contact sports.
Always wear your seat belt in the car.
Take your time during your recovery—move slowly and carefully.
Follow all safety guidelines from your care team.

Children who have experienced a brain injury are more vulnerable to repeat injuries or unsafe situations—that’s why we also teach safety awareness and healthy decision-making.

Family Involvement

Families play a vital role in recovery. Your love, patience and encouragement make a powerful difference. We teach parents and siblings how to:

Support communication and memory
Recognize emotional changes
Create a calm, safe environment
Celebrate small victories

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes a brain injury in children?

Most brain injuries are caused by falls, sports collisions, car accidents or medical conditions such as infection, stroke or seizure.

How long does recovery take?

Every child heals at a different pace. Some children recover within weeks, while other children take months or longer. Our team monitors progress closely and adjusts therapy plans as needed.

Will my child go back to school?

Yes. Our on-site teachers and school liaisons help children transition smoothly back to the classroom, ensuring they have the right accommodations and support.

What can parents do to help?

Do your best to stay involved, stay patient and communicate with your care team. Consistent routines, encouragement and safety awareness are key to healing.