The Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society publishes special virtual issue discussing mild traumatic brain injuries and posttraumatic stress disorder

The Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society (JINS) recently published a special virtual issue covering mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The issue, titled “Complexities of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder,” synthesizes previously published JINS articles and is of particular relevance to service-members returning from warzones. Dr. Sureyya Dikmen of the University of Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Model System co-edited this issue with Dr. Jennifer Vasterling of the VA Boston Healthcare System.

WJLA, an ABC News affiliate, highlights the Virginia Commonwealth Traumatic Brain Injury Model System’s work on relationships after brain injury

WJLA News, the Washington, DC-based affiliate of ABC News, featured the innovative work of Dr. Jeffrey Kreutzer’s team at the Virginia Commonwealth Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (VCU-TBIMS) on couples’ relationships after brain injury.

The story follows Kurt Olsen and his wife Jennifer Olsen, who suffered a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) after a car accident in 2009. The Olsens sought the help of Dr. Jeffery Kreutzer and his team at VCU; Kreutzer’s group offers novel evidence-based counseling methods specifically tailored for couples affected by TBI.

VCU-TBIMS’ work on post-TBI relationships was also featured by The New York Times earlier this year.

Recruiting Couples dealing with TBI and relationships factsheet

The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSTKC) is recruiting consumers for usability testing of a factsheet on TBI and relationships. We need consumers who meet the criteria below:

·         Participants should be individuals who have had a traumatic brain injury in the past five years or whose partners have had a traumatic brain injury in the past five years.

·         Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

·         Participants should be individuals who were in a monogamous relationship with the same significant other prior to, during, and after their injury or their partner’s injury.

·         Participants should represent a mix of genders and education levels.

If you know any consumers who meet these criteria or would like more information, please contact us at msktc@air.org.

Thank you!

Consumer Information on Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury: Four Part Series

An evidence-based consumer factsheet titled Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury: Four Part Series is available on the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center website at Understanding TBI.  The factsheet covers what happens to the brain during early stages of recovery, the impact on individuals’ functioning, the recovery process, and the impact on family that can accompany TBI.  It was developed by Thomas Novack, PhD and Tamara Bushnik, PhD in collaboration with the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center.  It has been reviewed by individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury and endorsed by the Traumatic Brain Injury Model System directors.

TBI Model Systems Study Published in the New England Journal of Medicine

A NIDRR-funded TBI Model Systems Collaboratives grant study was published today in the New England Journal of Medicine.  The placebo-controlled trial was led by Drs. Joseph Giacino and John Whyte of JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute and Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, respectively. Study findings show that daily doses of a Parkinson's drug significantly improved function in patients thought to be beyond the reach of treatment.  If the study can be replicated, promise exists for a standard treatment to help injuries that are generally unpredictable. 

Articles celebrating the results of today’s release can be found in the New York Times and Washington Post.

The 36th annual Williamsburg Brain Injury Rehabilitation Conference will be held May 3-4, 2012

The 36^th annual Williamsburg Brain Injury Rehabilitation Conference, the world’s oldest and longest running conference focusing on rehabilitation from traumatic brain injury (TBI), will convene on May 3-4, 2012. Pre-conference workshops will be held on May 2. This conference will appeal to professionals, who will have the opportunity to learn about new strategies and best practices in TBI rehabilitation.

The conference will be presented by Brain Injury Services of Northern Virginia and the Traumatic Brain Injury Model System of Virginia Commonwealth University.

Please visit the conference homepage or contact Lisa Garver (703-451-8881x224 or lgarver@braininjurysvcs.org) for additional information.

To learn more about the Traumatic Brain Injury Model System of Virginia Commonwealth University, please click here.

To learn more about the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center, please visit our homepage.

The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Statistics and Demographics will host the State of the Science Conference on April 23, 2012

The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Statistics and Demographics (StatsRRTC) will host the State of the Science Conference on April 23, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel (One Bethesda Metro Center, 7400 Wisconsin Avenue) in Bethesda, MD. This conference will appeal to all disability researchers, disability program staff, policy leaders, and community advocates. Conference participants will learn more about both the current state of disability statistics and the future advancement of the field.

The keynote address will be given by Dr. Charles Lakin, Director of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.

Please see the conference website and brochure for additional information.

For additional questions, please email disability.statistics@unh.edu or call 1-866-538-9521, extension 711.