Pediatric Brain Injury Program
(612) 873-2680

Faculty:

Medical co-directors
Andrew Kiragu, M.D.
Armantina Espinosa, M.D.

Program coordinator/Social Services
Kary Lehman, LGSW

Program Secretary
Kathy Spence

In 2009, the Pediatric Brain Injury Program served 157 inpatients. Of these, 10% had severe brain injuries, 72% had mild injuries, and the remainder were moderate. All of the children received state of the art, specialized care from a team of professionals experienced in treating children with brain injuries. Many patients continued with follow-up care at HCMC after their discharge home. The outpatient services included Neurosurgery, Neuropsychology, Neurology, the Mild/Moderate TBI Clinic (for adolescents 13 and over), the Pediatric Brain Injury Clinic (for children 12 and under); Rehabilitation Therapies including Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy; Social Services, and other specialty clinics. In addition to those seen as inpatients, outpatient assessments were completed on numerous children and adolescents who needed evaluation due to a past sustained brain injury. Whether an inpatient or an outpatient, all of the children received coordinated care; including communication with their school to help ease the transition and help educators understand brain injury and the child’s needs.

In 2009, the Pediatric Brain Injury Program also celebrated 20 years of providing specialty care at HCMC. The milestone was recognized with an anniversary celebration for patients, current and former staff, and friends from the community. Patients spanning the program’s entire 20 years were invited to attend. It was a wonderful opportunity for past patients and their families to catch up with former staff and for all to be recognized for the wonderful work that occurs here every day.