Improving Quality of Life Through Research

The Division of Rehabilitation Medicine takes a wide-reaching approach to improving quality of life for children with disabilities and their families. Our clinical services provide care ranging from acute injury treatment to long-term rehabilitation. Our five-year combined residency training program in pediatrics and rehabilitation medicine is one of only five such combined programs in the United States, and our research is paving the way toward a better understanding of the mechanics, treatment and prevention of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI).

TBI is the leading cause of acquired disability in childhood. It is the No. 1 diagnosis resulting in admission for inpatient pediatric rehabilitation in the United States and at Cincinnati Children’s. Our federally funded research investigates child and family outcomes, parent-child interaction and models of family intervention following pediatric TBI. Our research includes an NICHD- and NINDS-funded study that will provide data on appropriate outcome measures for children in a minimally conscious state, and on the pharmacokinetics of amantadine in children. Results of this research will be useful in designing future research of and treatment for pediatric TBI, ultimately leading to better outcomes for children with these types of injuries.