Consumer Information on Alcohol Use After Traumatic Brain Injury

A new evidence-based consumer factsheet titled Alcohol Use After Traumatic Brain Injury is now available on the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center website at http://www.msktc.org/tbi/factsheets/AlcoholUse.asp. This document was developed by Charles Bombardier, PhD, in collaboration with the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center, and has been reviewed by individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury and endorsed by the Traumatic Brain Injury Model System directors.

Northern California Traumatic Brain Injury Model System of Care Promotes Second Annual Santa Clara Valley Brain Injury Conference

The Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, in collaboration with Model Systems grantee, Northern California Traumatic Brain Injury Model System of Care, will host the Second Annual Santa Clara Valley Brain Injury Conference February 23-25 in San Jose, California. Conference topic areas include return to work and community, medical complexity, innovative treatment approaches, advocacy, and military and veteran issues. The event will appeal to physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, administrators, researchers, advocates, individuals with brain injury, and family members/caregivers. Visit the conference website to learn more and to register at www.braininjuryconference.org.

Research from the Third TBI Interagency Conference gains recognition

Recent articles in the Journal of the American Medical Association and Science magazine highlighted the latest research findings on blast injuries and treatment outcomes in the military. These findings were presented at the Third TBI Interagency Conference (http://tbi-interagency-conference.org/) that took place in Washington DC, June 13-15 2011. This conference brought together experts from the TBI Model Systems, Veterans Health Administration, Health Resources and Services Administration, public and private universities and hospitals.

Article citations and link to pubmed listings are below.

• Miller, G. (2011). Neuropathology. A battle no soldier wants to fight. Science, 333(6042), 517-9. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21798910
• Hampton, T. (2011). Traumatic brain injury a growing problem among troops serving in today's wars. JAMA, 3;306(5), 477-9. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21813422

New consumer information on Sexuality after Traumatic Brain Injury

A new evidence-based consumer factsheet on Sexuality after Traumatic Brain Injury is now available on the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) website at http://msktc.washington.edu/tbi/factsheets/sexuality.asp.
This factsheet was developed by Angelle M. Sander, Ph.D. and Kacey Maestas, Ph.D., in collaboration with the investigators of the TBI Model Systems Collaborative Project on Sexuality after TBI, and MSKTC. It has been reviewed by people with TBI and endorsed by the TBI Model Systems directors. 

TBI Model System Hosts 2012 Brain Injury Summit

The TBI Model System at Craig Hospital is hosting a cutting edge TBI conference January 9-11, 2012, in Beaver Creek, Colorado – the 2012 Brain Injury Summit.  This high-level conference is designed for experienced professionals.  The conference program includes tracks in acute care, clinical rehabilitation, community reintegration, lifelong living, and applied research.  Program format will include keynote presentations, plenary and panel presentations, break-out sessions, poster presentations, roundtables, exhibits, sponsorships, and networking opportunities.  Beaver Creek offers a spectacular setting and an intimate venue for this meeting.  Proceeds from the conference will benefit the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado and Craig Hospital’s Patient Assistance Fund.  Craig Hospital is a NIDRR TBI Model System Center and the NIDRR national statistical data center for TBI.  
Please visit the conference website – www.braininjurysummit2012.org. 
Registration is OPEN and the deadline for abstract submissions is September 2, 2011.

“TBI and its Implications” – New TBI Educational Video from the Midwest Regional Traumatic Brain Injury Model System

The Midwest Regional Traumatic Brain Injury Model System at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago created the video “TBI and its Implications”  for paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs), but it is appropriate for anyone wanting to learn more about TBI. In this video, people with TBI, family members and health professionals provide information about the common physical, cognitive and behavioral problems caused by TBI.  

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy63DPWEZ-Y

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHgAhqXAop0

TBI Model Systems researchers receive ACRM Awards

The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) Awards Committee announced the following awardees for 2011:

ACRM Gold Key
Wayne Gordon, PhD, ABPP/Cn, FACRM, - New York Traumatic Brain Injury Model System.
This award was established in 1932 as a certificate of merit for members of the medical and allied professions who have rendered extraordinary service to the cause of rehabilitation. Dr. Gordon is being recognized for his extraordinary service to the field with this award, which is the highest honor given by ACRM.

John Stanley Coulter Lecturer
Keith Cicerone, PhD, ABPP, FACRM - JFK-Johnson Rehabilitation Institute TBI Model System.
This distinguished lectureship honors John Stanley Coulter, MD in celebration of his many contributions to rehabilitation. Dr. Cicerone is recognized for professional achievements, which significantly advance the field of rehabilitation. He will present the prestigious Coulter Lecture during the ACRM-ASNR Joint Educational Conference.

These awards will be presented Friday evening, October 14th at the Henry B. Betts Awards Gala during the ACRM-ASNR Educational Conference in Atlanta.

Psychology Today Blog covers anger problems and TBI

Tessa Hart, Ph.D. from the Moss Traumatic Brain Injury Model System discusses the common problem of anger after a traumatic brain injury on the Psychology Today Blog. She describes the common causes of anger and ways the injured person and family members can manage anger effectively.  To read this blog post, visit http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/impact-aftermath/201107/anger-and-traumatic-brain-injury-common-companions

Update on the Third Interagency Conference on Traumatic Brain Injury

The NIDRR-funded Third Interagency Conference on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) was held June 13-15, 2011 in Washington DC.  The conference was a huge success with over 740 participants, including representation from the military, federal government, private and public universities and hospitals.  This gathering covered recent advances in research and clinical care to improve outcomes for persons with TBI.  To learn more about this conference, visit http://tbi-interagency-conference.org/ and watch for more information to be added to this page over time.

TBI Model Systems Researchers share their expertise on Psychology Today Blog

Tessa Hart, Ph.D., Thomas Watanabe, M.D., and John Whyte, M.D., Ph.D. discuss traumatic brain injury (TBI) on the Psychology Today blog. Over the next few months they will cover public policy, and new clinical and research developments related to TBI. To view the blog, visit http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/impact-aftermath/201106/traumatic-brain-injury-view-the-clinic-and-the-lab.

Consumer information on Seizures after TBI

An evidence-based consumer factsheet on Seizures after Traumatic Brain Injury is available on the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) website at http://msktc.washington.edu/tbi/factsheets/seizures.asp. This factsheet was developed by Jeffrey Englander MD, David X. Cifu MD, and Ramon Diaz-Arrastia MD, in collaboration with MSKTC and has been reviewed by people with TBI and endorsed by the TBI Model System directors. 

Register for Webinar by June 3rd - Principles of Learning for TBI Rehabilitation

On June 7 at 3pm EST, faculty from the TBI Model Systems will conduct a Webinar called Principle of Learning for TBI Rehabilitation. In this webinar, Tessa Hart PhD (Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute) and Janet Powell PhD OTR/L (University of Washington) will discuss learning principles and theories in TBI rehabilitation. 

Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to:

1) Name at least 2 reasons why learning theories are relevant to brain injury rehabilitation practice.

2) Describe at least 2 treatment strategies based on behavioral learning theories.

3) Compare and contrast implicit and explicit learning and memory.

Registration Price: $55.00

Continuing Education awarded: 1 hour

Registration closes at 5pm EST on June 3, 2011. Click here to register. Information on joining the Webinar will be sent to registrants on June 6. 

Consumer Information on Balance Problems after Traumatic Brain Injury

A new evidence-based consumer factsheet on Balance Problems after Traumatic Brain Injury is now available on the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) website at http://msktc.washington.edu/tbi/factsheets/balance.asp. This factsheet was developed by Michelle Peterson, PT, DPT, NCS, and Brian D. Greenwald, MD, in collaboration with MSKTC and has been reviewed by people with TBI and endorsed by the TBI Model System directors. 

Systematic review on post traumatic headache interventions

In collaboration with TBI Model Systems researchers, we conducted a systematic review on interventions for post-traumatic headaches. The goals on this review were to identify effective interventions for post-traumatic headache, develop recommendations for treatment, identify gaps in research on treatment, and suggests future research needed to improve outcomes for persons with post traumatic headaches.

This review will be published later this year in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Journal. To read the abstract go to: http://msktc.washington.edu/tbi/sysreviews/publications/TBI_Headache.asp

Systematic review published on screening and interventions for substance misuse for patients with TBI

A recent systematic review on screening and brief interventions (SBI) for substance misuse people with TBI revealed that patients with more severe TBI and those who presented with sufficient confusion that they could not provide informed consent were systematically neglected in research studies on SBI for injury populations. 


For article abstract: http://msktc.washington.edu/tbi/sysreviews/publications/TBI_SubstanceMisuse.asp

Spanish versions of TBI consumer information available

Recent Model Systems data show that 8% of people who experience a TBI are of Hispanic origin (http://www.tbindsc.org/Documents/2010%20TBIMS%20National%20Database%20Update.pdf). To ensure Model Systems information reaches the diverse population of people with TBI, MSKTC has translated all TBI consumer factsheets into Spanish. You can access these Spanish versions at: http://msktc.washington.edu/tbi/factsheets/Spanish.asp. 

Consumer information on Depression after TBI now available

The TBI Model Systems recently posted an evidence-based factsheet on Depression after TBI. This factsheet is written for people with TBI, caregivers, and family member who want to learn more about the causes of and effective treatments for depression. You can access PDF and web-based versions here: http://msktc.washington.edu/tbi/factsheets/depression.asp

3rd Federal Interagency Conference on TBI

The Third Federal Interagency Conference on Traumatic Brain Injury will be held June 13‐15, 2011. Attend to hear about newest cutting edge advantages in TBI research and clinical care.

• View the conference website: http://tbi-interagency-conference.org/

 The conference includes outstanding speakers and symposia on a wide variety of topics within several broad themes:

• Effective Practices for Community Integration
• Seminal Advances in TBI Research
• The Promise of Technology

Plenary Speakers Include:

• Geoffrey Manley, MD, PhD, University of California
• James P Kelly, MS, MD, National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NiCoE)
• Richard G. Ellenbogen, MD, FACS, University of Washington
• Daniel Perl, MD, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
• Jennie Ponsford, PhD, MAPSS, Monash University

The Interagency Conference on TBI is sponsored by a consortium of federal agencies and advocacy groups bringing together civilian and military agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research, the National Institutes of Health, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and other leading federal players in research and clinical care for TBI.

The 35th Annual TBI Conference to be held on May 5-6th.

The 35th Annual TBI Conference, "Rehabilitation of the Adult and Child with Brain Injury:  Practical Solutions to Real World Problems" will be held on May 5-6, 2011 in Williamsburg, VA.

To register go to: http://tbiconferences.org/williamsburg/register.html
For conference information go to: http://tbiconferences.org/williamsburg/index.html

Consumer information available on Inpatient Rehabilitation after TBI

TBI Model Systems creates evidence-based and consumer-friendly factsheets for people with TBI and their family members and caregivers. A recently posted factsheet, Inpatient Rehabilitation after TBI, describes what to expect during and after inpatient rehabilitation. You can access PDF and web-based versions here: http://msktc.washington.edu/tbi/factsheets/inpatient.asp