About NRI

The Neurologic Rehabilitation Institute (NRI) offers multiple mid- and long-term programs and services for adults age 18 and older with a primary diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury or other acquired neurological problem.

Frequently Asked Questions about NRI

What types of individuals are served in the NRI program?
Are there age restrictions?
Are there medical conditions which would exclude treatment at NRI?
Can you help individuals with a seizure disorder?
Can individuals with psychiatric or substance abuse problems in addition to brain injury be helped in the NRI program?
Are your services hospital-based?
How long does a person stay in your program?
What types of insurance does NRI accept?
Who is on the Rehabilitation Team?
What is the average day like?
Does the NRI program work?

What types of individuals are served in the NRI program?

NRI provides rehabilitation services to individuals with traumatic or acquired brain injury or other neurologic diseases and conditions. The range of impairment includes individuals with "mild," "moderate," and "severe" disabilities. In addition to traumatic brain injury, this can include: strokes, CVAs, anoxia, toxic exposure, post-neurologic surgery, or other treatment and a wide variety of developmental disabilities. Most individuals participating in the NRI program have experienced "a failure" in a traditional rehabilitation program due to severe cognitive and behavioral problems. Many of the individuals in our program have a neurobehavioral syndrome, which manifests itself in acting out behaviors that are often violent, assaultive, or self-injurious. Other individuals have complex care medical problems and may be considered "slow-to-recover." These individuals require a high level of medical and nursing care to achieve productive rehabilitation results.

Are there age restrictions?

NRI provides services to adults who are over the age of 18. There is no upper age limit.

Are there medical conditions which would exclude treatment at NRI?

Many of the individuals participating in the NRI program have multiple medical problems. This can include: seizure disorders, diabetes, circulatory problems, cardiac conditions, orthopedic problems, as we as individuals with compromised health due to chronic neurologic problems. Individuals who require continuous IV drugs, dialysis, or are on a mechanical ventilator would not be candidates for admission while they require those services. NRI does serve individuals who require feeding pumps or other non-oral methods of nutrition.

Can you help individuals with a seizure disorder?

Most of our patients have seizure control problems. Many of these individuals experience cognitive and behavioral problems related to their seizure disorders. We commonly see that identifying the appropriate medication regime is an important part of the NRI medical care services. Seizure problems may be difficult to diagnose and may account for behavioral problems which preven participation in treatment and are not managed through psychiatric medication. The program approach at NRI is based on considering the neurological bases to cognitive and behavioral problems which are caused by the underlaying injury or disease.

Can individuals with psychiatric or substance abuse problems in addition to brain injury be helped in the NRI program?

Individuals with brain injuries can also have behavioral health and/or substance abuse problems. These problems can pre-date the injury or occur in the course of recovery. Is these problems are untreated, they can have a serious, negative effect on the successful outcome of rehabilitation. NRI is one of the few hospital-based programs which can offer detox to an individual with a brain injury and an addiction. NRI has offered help and hope to countless numbers of individuals with a "dual diagnosis" who were not effectively treated in other rehabilitation and behavioral health programs.

Are your services hospital-based?

The NRI program includes Intensive Neurobehavioral and Complex Care Rehabilitation which occur in a hospital setting. There are two Transitional Living Centers which provide Supported Living. One TLC offers congregate living for up to seven residents in a semi-rural area of Tulsa. The other TLC provides independent apartment living and is located in mid-town Tulsa. Residents from the TLC programs participate in ongoing rehabilitation in the NRI program.

How long does a person stay in your program?

The length of stay is based on each person's needs. An individual may progress from the hospital-based program to the TLC or may enter the program directly into the TLC. NRI serves many individuals with long term care needs in both our hospital and TLC programs.

What types of insurance does Brookhaven accept?

Brookhaven Hospital accepts most private health insurance plans, Worker's Compensation, Medicare, CHAMPUS Tri-Care, and has contracts with Medicaid programs in several states. Individuals with their families may also have the resources to pay for services through Brookhaven through private funds, trusts, or settlements and annuities. The hospital's Business Office and Utilization Review Department are able to assist you in maximizing your resources for rehabilitation at NRI.

Who is on the Rehabilitation Team?

The Rehabilitation Team is headed by a medical doctor who may be a neurologist or a psychiatrist, based on each individual's needs. The Program Director provides the supervision to the staff and personally directs the treatment and rehabilitation plan for each participant. NRI also has professional, licensed staff to offer: psychological services, occupational therapy, vocational therapy, recreational therapy, behavior therapy, counseling, social work, nursing, and general rehabilitatation. You can read more about the staff in the "About Us" section on the website.

What is the average day like?

The average day at NRI consists of a highly structured schedule of therapeutic, recreational, and social opportunities. Our approach is based on teaching new skills and on supporting each individuals ability to maximize their independence. There are frequent outings into the community for functional rehabilitation activities as well as for recreational and "fun" outings, such as trips to the movies, to enjoy local events, shopping, and even fishing. The NRI program operates seven days a week.

Does the NRI program work?

The NRI program is effective due to the high level of support, structure, and staffing opportunities offered to patients to acquire skills through practice and repetition. The NRI program measues the continued success of its work with patients through an Outcome Validation Study. Individuals with neurologic disabilities benefit from treatment in programs which offer multiple opportunities for learning; provide reinforcement through practice and focus on pragmatic and functional skills which the person needs to return to a life of independence.