TBI Model System Researchers Publish Position Statement on Disorders of Consciousness in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

TBI Model System researchers recently, in collaboration with the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Evidence and Practice Committee (ACRM EPC), published a position statement, “Minimum competency recommendations for programs that provide rehabilitation services for persons with disorders of consciousness: A position statement of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems,” in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The position statement discusses practice guidelines and minimum competencies of the clinical programs for the treatment and support of individuals with disorders of consciousness. The recommendations fall into several categories: diagnostic and prognostic assessment, treatment, transitioning care/long-term care needs, and management of ethical issues. Authors from the currently-funded TBI Model System centers include: Spaulding-Harvard Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (Joseph Giacino, PhD; and Ross D. Zafonte DO), Moss Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (John Whyte, PhD), Tampa Polytrauma Rehabilitation TBI Model System Center (Risa Nakase-Richardson, PhD), JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute TBI Model System (Brian Greenwald, MD), Indiana University School of Medicine / Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana TBI (Flora Hammond, MD), and Rocky Mountain Regional Brain Injury System (Alan Weintraub, MD). View the article here.

TBI Model Systems Researchers Planned and Participate in the North American Brain Injury Society (NABIS) 15th Annual Conference (ABI2020)

TBI Model Systems researchers have been critical in the planning of and many will present at the North American Brain Injury Society (NABIS) 15th Annual Conference (ABI2020). The event will be held February 26-29 in New Orleans, LA. For more information about the conference, view the conference program here.

The following TBI Model System researchers assisted in planning ABI2020:

• Alan Weinstraub, MD, Medical Director for the Rocky Mountain Regional Brain Injury System and Medical Director of the Brain Injury Program at Craig Hospital, will serve as conference chair for the North American Brain Injury Society (NABIS) 15th Annual Conference (ABI2020). With the theme ‘Best Practices in Brain Injury Medicine and Neurorehabilitation: Improving Outcomes Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration,’ this conference will be the premier educational event for multidisciplinary medical professionals involved in brain injury in North America in 2020. Learn more about this honor here.

• TBI Model System researchers serve on the Educational Planning Committee for the North American Brain Injury Society (NABIS) 15th Annual Conference (ABI2020). Committee members are from the following currently-funded SCI Model System centers: Indiana University School of Medicine / Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana TBI (Flora Hammond, MD; and Dawn Neumann, PhD), Spaulding-Harvard Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (Joseph Giacino, PhD; and Ross Zafonte, DO), JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (Brian Greenwald, MD), and the Department of Veteran Affairs-funded Tampa Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center (Risa Nakase-Richardson, PhD, FACRM). Learn more about this committee here.

The following TBI Model System Researchers will present at ABI2020:

• Joseph T. Giacino, PhD (Spaulding-Harvard Traumatic Brain Injury Model System) will present, “Disorders of Consciousness: The Implementation of Guideline Recommendations for Interdisciplinary Clinical Rehabilitation Practice: An Interactive Hands-On Course.”

• Ross Zafonte, DO, FACRM (Spaulding-Harvard Traumatic Brain Injury Model System) will present the plenary lecture, “Lessons Learned from the Extremes.”

• Brian Greenwald, MD (JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute Traumatic Brain Injury Model System) will present, “Autonomic and Immunologic Dysfunction following TBI.”

• Dawn Neumann, PhD, FACRM (Indiana University School of Medicine / Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana TBI) will present, “Social Cognitive Impairments-Clinical and Scientific Approaches to Evaluation and Intervention.”

• Dawn Neumann, PhD, FACRM (Indiana University School of Medicine / Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana TBI) will present, “Relations of Social Inferencing Skills after Brain Injury and Attributions of Intent, Hostility, and Blame,” as part of the Accepted Oral Scientific Papers on Cognitive/Language Rehabilitation.

• Investigators from Spaulding-Harvard Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (Joseph T. Giacino, PhD; and Ross Zafonte, DO, FACRM) and Rocky Mountain Regional Brain Injury System (Alan Weintraub, MD) will present “Managing Disorders of Consciousness: Transforming Guidelines into Clinical Practice: Case Presentation Format with Panel of Experts.”

• Anthony Lequerica, PhD (Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury System) will present, “Lifetime Exposure to Traumatic Brain Injury and Neurobehavioral Symptoms Among Spanish-speaking Individuals from an International Sample,” as part of the Accepted Oral Scientific Papers on Integration and Lifelong Living.

• Lenore Hawley, MSSW, LCSW (Rocky Mountain Regional Brain Injury System) will present, “Successful Lifelong Living after ABI: Self-Advocacy, Empowerment, and Resource Facilitation.”

• Ross Zafonte, DO, FACRM (Spaulding-Harvard Traumatic Brain Injury Model System) will present, “Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: A Clinical and Scientific Update.”

• Alan Weintraub, MD (Rocky Mountain Regional Brain Injury System) will moderate the panel, “Complimentary and/or Alternative ABI Rehabilitation Treatments: Consensus Opinions and Debates on HBO, rTMS, TCDCS, Stem Cell Therapies, and Holistic Supplements. Ross Zafonte, DO, FACRM (Spaulding-Harvard Traumatic Brain Injury Model System) is an expert clinical/research panelists on this panel.

TBI Model System Researchers Present at 13th World Congress on Brain Injury

TBI Model System researchers presented at the 13th World Congress on Brain Injury held March 13-16, 2019, in Toronto, Canada. This conference is the largest gathering of international professionals working in the field of brain injury.

Lisa Payne, PhD, Lenore Hawley, MSSW, Jessica Ketchum, PhD, Clare Morey, MA, and Angie Philippus, BA, researchers at Rocky Mountain Regional Brain Injury System, presented “Improving well-being after traumatic brain injury through volunteering:  A randomized controlled trial.”

Candy Tefertiller, PT, Kaitlin Hays, PhD, Audrey Natale, OT, Denise O'Dell, PT, Jessica McKinney Ketchum, PhD, Mitch Sevigny, MS, CB Eagye, MS, Angela Philippus, BA, and Cindy Harrison-Felix, PhD, researchers at Rocky Mountain Regional Brain Injury System, presented “Ready to be steady: Results from a randomized controlled trial to address balance deficits after traumatic brain injury (TBI).”

Geraldine Martens, PhD, Yelena Bodien, PhD, and Joseph Giacino, PhD, researchers at Spaulding-Harvard Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, presented "Behavioral markers of recovery of consciousness after severe brain injury."

Kristen Dams-O'Connor, PhD, Wayne Gordon, PhD, Alex Landau, BA, Lisa Spielman, PhD, and Eric Watson, PhD, researchers at New York Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, presented "Treatment of post-TBI fatigue with light exposure."

Jeanne Hoffman, PhD, researcher at University of Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, presented "TWILIGHT: RCT of phototherapy."

John Whyte, PhD,  co-principal investigator at Moss Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, along with Ingrid Poulsen, Pengsheng Ni, Marianne Eskildsen, and Rikke Guldager, presented "Development of a measure of nociception and pain for patients with severe brain injury."

Dmitry Esterov, DO, Thomas Bergquist, PhD, and Allen Brown, MD, researchers at Mayo Clinic Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, presented "Predictors of neurobehavioral symptom reporting in a community based sample with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI)."

Arielle Resnick, PT, DPT, NCS, Irene Ward, DPT, NCS, Erin Donnelly, PT, NCS, Jacquelyn Candras, Marisa King, PT, DPT, Justine Mamone-Lucciola, Stefanie Migliaccio, Allison Miller, and Anthony Lequerica, PhD, researchers at Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury System, presented "Predicting the need for supervision following traumatic brain injury."

Yelena Bodien, PhD, Geraldine Martens, PhD, and Joseph Giacino, PhD, researchers at Spaulding-Harvard Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, presented "When will he talk to me? Mapping the time course of recovery of communication in patients with disorders of consciousness following severe brain injury."

Ross Zafonte, DO, and Grant Iverson, PhD, along with Jenkin Mok, Douglas Terry, Brucee Maxweell, Paul Berkner, and Magdalena Wojtowicz, researchers at Spaulding-Harvard Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, presented "The impact of migraine history and short sleep duration on preseason symptom reporting in adolescent student athletes."

Ross Zafonte, DO, Joseph Giacino, PhD, Michael Bergin, PhD, and Felipe Frengi, MD, researchers at Spaulding-Harvard Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, presented "Huperzine A in the treatment of cognitive and mood deficits after severe and moderate TBI."

Candace Tefertiller, PT,  Kaitlyn Hays, PT, DPT, Jessica Ketchum, PhD, Audrey Natale, PT, DPT,  Denise O'Dell, Mitch Seveigny, and Cynthia Harrison-Felix, researchers at Rocky Mountain Regional Brain Injury System, presented "Ready to be steady: Virtual reality and balance after traumatic brain injury."

Jennifer Marwitz, MA,  Jeffrey Kreutzer, PhD,  Adam Sima, PhD, Kristin Graham, PhD, Nancy Hsu, PsyD, and Herman Lukow, PhD, researchers at Virginia Commonwealth Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, presented "Efficacy of a couples intervention to promote relationship quality after traumatic brain injury."

Jennifer Bogner, PhD, John Corrigan, PhD, and Chelsea Kane, PsyD, researchers at Ohio Regional Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, presented "Randomized controlled trial of a brief intervention for substance misuse following moderate or severe TBI."

TBI Model System Researchers Contribute to Textbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 3rd Edition

The following TBI Model Systems researchers contributed to the newly-published 3rd edition of The Textbook of Traumatic Brain Injury as editor of the textbook or chapter authors:

David B. Arciniegas, MD, The Texas TBI Model System of TIRR
Kathleen R. Bell, MD, North Texas TBI Model System
Jennifer Bogner, PhD, Ohio Regional Traumatic Brain Injury Model System
John D. Corrigan, PhD, Ohio Regional Traumatic Brain Injury Model System
Kristen Dams-O’Connor, PhD, New York Traumatic Brain Injury Model System
Joseph T. Giacino,PhD, Spaulding-Harvard Traumatic Brain Injury Model System
Flora M. Hammond, MD, Indiana University School of Medicine / Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana TBI Model System
Cynthia Harrison-Felix, PhD, TBI Model Systems National Data and Statistical Center
Tessa Hart, PhD, Moss Traumatic Brain Injury Model System
Jeffrey S. Kreutzer, PhD, Virginia Commonwealth Traumatic Brain Injury Model System
James F. Malec, PhD, Indiana University School of Medicine / Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana TBI Model System
Dawn M. Neumann, PhD, Indiana University School of Medicine / Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana TBI Model System
Amanda Rabinowitz, PhD, Moss Traumatic Brain Injury Model System
Angelle M. Sander, PhD, The Texas TBI Model System of TIRR
Mark Sherer, PhD, The Texas TBI Model System of TIRR
John Whyte, MD, PhD, Moss Traumatic Brain Injury Model System

In addition, Risa Nakase-Richardson, PhD, at the Department of Veteran Affairs-funded Tampa Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center, contributed to the textbook.

TBI Model System Researchers Collaborate on Recently Published Articles

A host of TBI Model System researchers from the Rocky Mountain Spinal Injury System (RMRSIS) published the following articles: 

• "Physical, Cognitive, and Psychosocial Characteristics Associated with Mortality in Chronic TBI Survivors: A National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Study."  Authors of the article include Therese O’Neil-Pirozzi, ScD, CCC-SLP; Jessica Ketchum, Ph.D.; Flora Hammond, M.D.; Angela Philippus, B.A.; Erica Weber, Ph.D.; and Kristin Dams-O’Connor, Ph.D.  View the abstract here.      

• "Obesity and Overweight Problems Among Individuals 1 to 25 Years Following Acute Rehabilitation for Traumatic Brain Injury: A NIDILRR Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Study. Authors of the article include Laura Dreer, Ph.D.; Jessica Ketchum, Ph.D.; Thomas Novack, Ph.D.; John Corrigan, Ph.D.; Jennifer Bogner, Ph.D.; Elizabeth Felix, Ph.D.; Douglas Johnson-Greene, Ph.D.; and Flora Hammond, M.D." View the abstract here.

•  "Social Competence Treatment after Traumatic Brain Injury: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial of Interactive Group Treatment versus Non-Interactive Treatment. Authors of the article include Cynthia-Harrison-Felix, Ph.D.; Jessica Ketchum, Ph.D.;  Jody Newman, MA, CCC-SLP; Lenore Hawley, MSSW, LCSW ; Clare Morey, MA, CCC-SLP; Cynthia Braden, MA, CCC-SLP; CB Eagye, MS; William Walker, MD; Kathleen Bell, MD; Scott Millis, Ph.D.; James Malec, Ph.D.; and Laura Howe, JD, Ph.D." View the abstract here.

Model Systems Researchers selected as Fellow of American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine

The following Model Systems researchers were awarded the Fellow of American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine designation:

• Yu-Ying Chen, M.D., Ph.D., FACRM, Project Director of the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center; Professor & Director, University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Thomas F. Bergquist, Ph.D., ABPP-CN, FACRM, Assistant Professor and Program Director, Mayo Brain Injury Outpatient Program
•  Kristen Dams O'Connor, Ph.D, FACRM, Associate Professor, Director, Brain Injury Research Center; Research Director, Mount Sinai Injury Control Research Center
• John DeLuca, Ph.D., Project Director of the Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury Model System; Senior Vice President for Research, Kessler Foundation

TBI Model Systems Researchers Presenting at 12th World Congress on Brain Injury

The following list reflects TBI Model System Centers who reported their participation at the 12th World Congress on Brain Injury, held March 29-April 1, 2017:

• Robert G. Kowalski, MD, MS, of the Rocky Mountain Regional Brain Injury System (RMRBIS) presented the symposium, “Disorders of Consciousness Following Traumatic Brain Injury." Authors: Robert G. Kowalski, MD, MS; Flora M. Hammond, MD; Risa Nakase-Richardson, PhD.
• Jessica M. Ketchum, PhD, of the Rocky Mountain Regional Brain Injury System (RMRBIS), presented the abstract, "Epidemiology of associated medical conditions and treatment complications in patients receiving inpatient rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury in the U.S." Authors: Jessica M. Ketchum, PhD, Juliet K. Haarbauer-Krupa, PhD; CB Eagye, MS; Jeneita Bell, MD, MPH; John D. Corrigan, PhD; Flora M. Hammond, MD; Kristen Dams-O’Connor, PhD;  A. Cate Miller, PhD; Melissa C. Hofmann, MS; Gale G. Whiteneck, PhD; Robert G. Kowalski, MD, MS.
•  Robert G. Kowalski, MD, MS, of the Rocky Mountain Regional Brain Injury System (RMRBIS), presented, "Acute Ischemic Stroke Following Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Incidence and Impact on Outcomes." Authors: Robert G. Kowalski, MD, MS; Juliet K. Haarbauer-Krupa, PhD; Jeneita Bell, MD, MPH; John D. Corrigan, PhD; Flora M. Hammond, MD; Michel T. Torbey, MD, MPH; Kristen Dams-O’Connor, PhD;  A. Cate Miller, PhD; Melissa C. Hofmann, MS; Gale G. Whiteneck, PhD.
• Robert G. Kowalski, MD, MS, of the Rocky Mountain Regional Brain Injury System (RMRBIS), presented, "Incidence of associated medical conditions and treatment complications, and impact on outcome following moderate to severe traumatic brain injury." Authors: Robert G. Kowalski, MD, MS, Juliet K. Haarbauer-Krupa, PhD; Jessica M. Ketchum, PhD; CB Eagye, MS; Jeneita Bell, MD, MPH; John D. Corrigan, PhD; Flora M. Hammond, MD; Kristen Dams-O’Connor, PhD;  A. Cate Miller, PhD; Melissa C. Hofmann, MS; Gale G. Whiteneck, PhD.
• John Whyte, MD, PhD, co-director of the Moss Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, and Tessa Hart, PhD, director of the Moss TBIMS, presented the symposium, "You Can't Assess Treatment Efficacy if You Can't Define the Treatment: Challenges and Solutions in Specifying Non-Pharmacologic Treatments." They were joined by co-presenter Marcel Dijkers, PhD, who is co-Investigator in the Mount Sinai TBIMS.
• Jeffrey S. Kreutzer, PhD, of the Virginia Commonwealth Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, presented the Jennett Plum Lecture, “Lessons Learned about Caregivers after Traumatic Brain Injury."
• Jennifer H. Marwitz, MA, of the Virginia Commonwealth Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, presented the abstract, “Efficacy of an Intervention to Promote Resilience and Adjustment after Traumatic Brain Injury.” Authors: Jennifer H. Marwitz, MA; Nancy H. Hsu, PsyD; Jeffrey S. Kreutzer, PhD; Herman R. Lukow, PhD; Ana Mills, PsyD; Adam Sima, PhD; Abigail Welch, BS, BA.
• Mary Joan Roach, PhD and Michael Kelly, MD, of the Northeast Ohio Regional Spinal Cord Injury System (NORSCIS), presented a poster, The Impact of Age on Functional Outcome and Mortality in Patients Admitted to Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation.
• Simon Driver, PhD, of the North Texas Traumatic Brain Injury Model System presented, "Describing Weight Loss History among Individuals with TBI."
• Hoffman J, Lucas S, Stacey A, Bell K, Temkin N, and Dikmen S., of the North Texas Traumatic Brain Injury Model System presented, "Five Year Headache Trajectories after Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury."
• Womack K, Callender L, Dubiel R, Bell K, Driver S, and Shafi, S., of the North Texas Traumatic Brain Injury Model System presented, "Dopamine Imaging in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Association with Functional Outcomes."