Model Systems Researchers explore a connection between TBI and violence

Dr. David Cifu and Dr. Jeffrey Kreutzer from Virginia Commonwealth’s Traumatic Brain Injury Model System have found information that suggest that active duty members are at a heightened risk of being a victim of traumatic brain injury which may be linked to criminal behavior. View the article to learn more here.

Recruiting Caregivers of Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury for a Health Information Needs Study

The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) is recruiting individuals over 18 years old who are the primary caregivers of someone who sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the past five years. Participants will engage in an interview to better understand caregivers’ health information needs and be compensated $20. The study is funded by the National Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) and carried out by the American Institutes for Research and George Mason University. Click here for additional information.


If you are interested in participating, please call Deeza Mae Smith (202) 403-5127 or email msktc@air.org. Recruitment flyers are available for download, print, and posting here: TBI.

New Story: Don't Confront a Parking Violator

Don't confront a parking violator

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.