(Lubbock,TX) – The Transitional Learning Center (TLC) recently celebrated 5 years of serving survivors of acquired brain injury at their facility in Lubbock, TX on Thursday, May 16, 2013 from 4:00pm – 5:30pm. 

Since 1982, TLC has been and continues to be recognized as a "Pioneer" in the field of post-acute brain injury rehabilitation (PABIR), and is one of the only non-profits of its kind in the state.

In an effort to better serve the West Texas community, TLC opened its doors in Lubbock under the medical direction of Dr. Roger Wolcott.  Since opening in Lubbock in May of 2008, TLC has served over 300 patients with acquired brain injury from all parts of West Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Colorado.

TLC patients have endured a variety of acquired brain injuries, inlcuding Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), stroke (CVA), anoxic events, and brain tumors.  Patients participate in 5-8 hours of therapy 5 days each week, including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech/Language Therapy, Recreational Therapy, and Counseling in additon to receiving a neuropsych eval, nursing care, and case management.

TLC patients, each with a unique story, have been able to return to their own homes safely, graduate from high school, attend college, return to work, and most importantly return to being active members of the West Texas community.

The Transitional Learning Center participates in the 22nd Annual Adaptive Water Sport Festival held at Moody Gardens.

As they ease into pool therapy in Galveston, you'd never know two young war veterans were battling serious injuries.  That's only because you can't see the battle raging inside their brain.  That's where the sights and sounds, feelings and flashbacks live.  It's just part of the battle after a traumatic brain injury.  

Sean Carter Hurt In Wreck Involving Alcohol

A man who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a wreck that involved alcohol is making steps toward recovery.

For Michael Pullman, the world was an adventure waiting to be explored.  As an Academic All-American at Emory University in 1993, he held the key to a promising future of opportunity and freedom—until he suffered a traumatic brain injury in an ATV accident at age 20.  Although doctors never thought he’d make it out alive, Pullman emerged from a coma nine months later, no longer able to walk or talk.

Rationale/Problem statement

Due to funding issues, bed availability, etc., some patients referred to TLC for residential Post Acute Brain Injury Rehabilitation (PABIR) services are placed on a waiting list.  While at home, a nursing home, or other non-medical placement, patients can and do deteriorate functionally while waiting for skilled services (i.e., de-conditioning due to inactivity, adoption of maladaptive coping strategies, development of irregular activity schedules, etc.).

The Department of Defense has awarded a consortium of Houston institutions a $33 million grant to investigate mild traumatic brain injury (Mild TBI), or concussion, the potential severity of which has long been underappreciated.