Physiatry Addition to Cook Children’s Comprehensive Neurorehabilitation Program

Innovative Care, News and Announcements | June 18, 2019 | cookchildrens

Cook Children's Neurosciences Center has long provided comprehensive rehabilitation services to children through our state-of-the-art Neurorehabilitation Unit , Motion Lab , and multispecialty clinics for cerebral palsy, spasticity, movement disorders, stroke, and neuromuscular disease. Starting August 2019, Cook Children's Jane and John Justin Neurosciences Center will expand our neurorehabilitation services with the addition of Pediatric Physiatrist Kristen Taylor , D.O., Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), further bolstering our comprehensive approach to pediatric rehabilitation to improve functional outcomes and physical abilities in children with complex medical needs.

Dr. Taylor will support the newly-formed Spinal Cord Disorders Clinic, focusing on children with spina bifida, traumatic spinal cord injuries, acquired injuries, and the various sequelae associated with these conditions, such as bowel and bladder problems. The goal of this clinic is to become a “home base” for these patients and their families, ensuring they receive the support, therapy and equipment needed for superior outcomes.

Additional outpatient collaborations are planned with providers in the Orthopedic and Neurosurgical departments to manage non-operative conditions, including scoliosis, hip abnormalities, clubfoot and concussion. These patients can benefit from a comprehensive rehabilitation plan which works collaboratively with physical, occupational and speech therapists to make sure patients receive the best care available, allowing them to reach their maximum potential. PM&R services will also work closely with the Spasticity and Neuromuscular Clinics at Cook Children's to provide necessary rehabilitation services and procedures such as Botox.

In addition to these outpatient endeavors, PM&R services will provide inpatient consultations for patients with a variety of medical conditions which may require rehabilitation including multisystem trauma, cancer, sickle cell disease, dysphagia/drooling, ventilatory dependence, deconditioning from chronic disease and developmental delay, amongst others.

By partnering with PM&R and a team of therapists early, we can improve physical function during their hospital stay, reduce lengths-of-stay, transition to rehabilitation or home in safe manner and provide education to parents on diagnoses and expectations. Through coordination of efforts, we can ensure families feel prepared as they return home, reducing readmissions.

If you have questions about referring to PM&R or would like to set up a meeting to discuss potential collaborations, please contact Dr. Taylor at kristen.taylor@cookchildrens.org or call the Neurosciences Center at 682-885-2500.

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682-885-2500

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Kristen Taylor, DO

Neurology

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Cook Children's Neurosciences team

Great outcomes begin with great input. Having a medical system where every department, doctor, and care team member works together means that your child can have quick access to testing, diagnosis and treatment, and that means better outcomes now and in the future.

Contact the Jane and John Justin Neuroscience Center at Cook Children's with your questions at 682-885-2500.