Brain Injury Lawyer - New York

New Developments in Sports-Related Concussion Conference

The University  of South Florida, College of Medicine has just announced their program for a sports-concussion conference entitled "New Developments in Sports-Related Concussion Conference" scheduled for July 24-25, 2008 at The Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

New knowledge on sport-related concussions has developed in recent years and athletic trainers and medical professional have had to rethink how they manage sport-related concussion. This conference features internationally recognized experts in concussion management and will focus specifically on new and innovative strategies for the evaluation and treatment of sports-related concussion. 

The conference planners list the following objectives for conference participants:

- Classify biomechanical, neurometabolic and neurobehavioral aspects of concussion.
- Explain appropriate on-field concussion diagnostic and return-to-play protocols.
- Compare and contrast new brain imaging diagnostic techniques for the management of concussion.
- Analyze the role of the computerized neuropsychological testing in making return-to-play decisions.
- Assess current treatment options for sports-related concussion and post-concussion syndrome.
- Implement a concussion management program at the professional, college or high school level.

Concussion conference registration information is available by clicking here.

Brain Injury Survivior Documentary

The Detroit News reports today about a new documentary produced by brain injury survivors recording their recovery following traumatic brain injury following automobile accidents.  The documentary is entitled "The Other Breakfast Club"   

The club is a support group of 20-somethings who suffered traumatic brain injuries, or TBI, in auto accidents. And, now, they are sharing their scars and stories in an educational documentary.

Produced by the National Road Safety Foundation, "The Other Breakfast Club" focuses on local TBI patients and health care professionals. Their experiences will be shared with numerous health and education agencies nationwide, thanks to the New York-based nonprofit organization, which is offering DVD copies of the film for free through its Web site.

You can read the full story in the Detroit News: Brain Injuries Hit Big Screen

Brain Injury Association of New York State Annual Conference: Save The Date

The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS) has announced that their 26th annual conference will be held on June 5 and June 6, 2008 at the Albany Marriott Hotel, Albany, New York.

Last year's conference hosted over 400 individuals, family members and professional who came together to explore the important issues following traumatic brain injury.  This is the only statewide New York conference of its kind. More information can be obtain on the Brain Injury Association of New York State web site. (BIANYS)

Support For Students Suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury

The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS) has created a program known as PROJECT LEARN (Living Education And Resource Network) which provides a great resource to students, teachers and family members to assist them in addressing the issues faced following a traumatic brain injury.

Among the goals of Project LEARN ARE TO:

• Create and sustain competency for families and school staff in addressing challenges of children with brain injuries.
• Establish an interactive, user-friendly web based information and resource program (LEARNet).
• Provide access to the expertise of the Brain Injury Association FACTS coordinators as well as an extended support network of professionals, families educators as well as other resources.

Visit the Project LEARN web site for further information.

The New York Brain Injury Association is also sponsoring a one day training symposium "Building Capacity: Supporting Children With Brain Injury and Their Families which is scheduled to be held on Friday, April 25, 2008 from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM at the NYS United Teachers offices at 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, New York.  More information on this program which will explore the a variety of issues pertaining to traumatic brain damage in children and the challenges of returning to school can be found on the brain injury association web site.

Brain Injury Association of America: Important Request

I received the following important request today from the Brain Injury Association of America:

Recently, the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) appears to be deemphasizing medical rehab research, including valuable research related to TBI.  BIAA is working as part of a coalition of advocacy groups to send NIDRR a message that resources for medical rehabilitation research (referred to by NIDRR as "health and function" research) needs to be increased, not decreased.  We need your help!

In the past six months, NIDRR has eliminated funding for four Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RTCs) focused on medical rehabilitation research, including centers focused on neuromuscular research, arthritis, TBI community reintegration, and spinal cord injury. Four additional medical rehab RTCs (stroke, MS, aging with a disability, and psychiatric aspects of disability) have been delayed and NIDRR intends to announce these grants with a greater focus on employment and vocational rehab.

As an advocate for increased TBI services and research, you are encouraged to join NIDRR's national meeting/conference call on NIDRR's long range plan scheduled for Wednesday, March 19th, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. and express your views. The toll-free conference call number is (800) 762-6085. An operator will ask if you would like to submit input or just listen to the event. The operator will track the order of the people who want to provide input.

(Note: There are other ways to submit comments as well by the end of March if you cannot make the call.  Please contact Laura Schiebelhut, BIAA's Director of Government Affairs, if you have questions.)

We suggest making some or all of the following points:

1. NIDRR has served as the nation’s lead federal agency on rehabilitation and disability research  - including valuable research on TBI - and as such has maintained a broad portfolio of research as reflected in its current Long-Range Plan. This research portfolio includes three broad domains designed to enhance the quality of life of persons with disabilities in the areas of employment, community living, and health and function, including medical rehabilitation research.

2. This approach is to be commended as it recognizes the critical interplay between medical rehabilitation research, health and functioning, and the ability to return to school or work where appropriate.

3. A shift in focus at NIDRR away from health and function research is unwise and seriously erodes our nation's ability to solve the important questions that confront people with disabilities in seeking to return to functional and fulfilling lives after the onset of a disabling condition.

4. NIDRR should continue and re-emphasize the importance in its funding priorities of health and function research, including medical rehab research.

Brain Injury Webcast: "Veterans with TBI"

A web cast which will  provide an overview of the Veterans Health System and address the structure and services available for veterans with TBI and their families by the  Program Manage of the Department Veterans Affairs will take place on Friday, February 1, 2008, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm  "Veterans with TBI - The Veterans Health System." 

According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, this Web cast will be useful as a first step in understanding the VA system.  As service members with TBI are identified in State and community systems, it will provide an idea on where to refer them so that appropriate benefits are received.  Ideas for outreach and potential partnerships might also be a potential outcome.

The web-cast REQUIRES PRIOR on-line registration to ensure that your computer meets all technical requirements.  To register click here   You should register well in advance of February 1st to resolve any potential technical issues before the web-cast.  Should you experience any technical difficulties while registering, please submit a question to them by clicking here .   On February 1st, be sure to use the same computer to view the Web cast that you used to register. Connect 20 minutes in advance of the web-cast to ensure your connection and to download the Power Point slides.

For anyone who can't be present for the February 1st web-cast, there will be an archived copy available about one week after the event by clicking here .

CDC Traumatic Brain Injury Webcast

The Center for Injury Research and Control at the University of Pittsburgh has announced a  live webcast event entitled  “TBI Outcomes: Overview and Implications for Returning Military Personnel” to be presented by Jean A. Langlois, ScD, MPH,  Senior Epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Atlanta, Georgia.

The broadcast is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, January 16th, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time.  You will need to register in advance to participate.  Since seats are limited, you are urged to register without delay.  You can obtain full information by clicking here.

Brain Mapping Site From National Geographic Magazine

I've just come across an interesting visual demonstration of how the brain processes information produced by National Geographic.  The site is a visual map of the brain with some excellent graphics which can be very useful for teaching and understanding traumatic brain injury.  The site is from the November 2007 edition of National Geographic and is entitled mapping memory.

Dan Windheim, TBI Survivor Listen to His Interview

Many years ago, Dan Windheim sustained life threatening brain damage following a car accident.  Since then he has devoted his life to assisting survivors of brain injury.  He has written several books detailing his experiences and his road to recovery.  His positive attitude is an inspiration for all of us.

You can get more information about Dan and his activities by going to his web site Life With TBI where you can also listen to his recent interview which is also available by clicking here.

Brain Surgery on the Radio

Brain surgery on radio is a broadcast that you can download from  All in the Mind, ABC National radio in Australia. 

The broadcast takes you into the operating theater of leading neurosurgeon Professor Jeffrey Rosenfeld at the Alfred Hospital, and inside the head of Kia, his patient, as she has an arteriovenous malformation extracted from her frontal lobes.

Click here to down load the broadcast.  Thanks to the All in the Mind Blog for this tip.

Children with Brain Injuries Can Benefit From New York State Brain Injury Association Web-Based Information and Resource Program

The Brain Injury Association of New York State BIANYS has launched LEARNet, a Web-based information and resource program, funded by the state Developmental Disabilities Planning Council.

Each year, more than 30,000 children become permanently disabled following a brain injury. Many more, often unaccounted for, appear to have recovered from their injuries only to have problems resurface later as they encounter increased social, academic and developmental challenges.

Problems can include behavior outbursts, cognitive changes and depression resulting in academic problems and alienation from peer groups.

LEARNet offers, along with resource information, a comprehensive problem-solving tool designed to help teachers and families find solutions to these often challenging and frustrating problems.

In addition to LEARNet, the association's Family Advocacy, Counseling and Training Services Program provides links for individuals injured before age 22 and their families with community-based services and supports.

FACTS coordinators throughout the state are on hand to educate the public about brain injury, available services and prevention.

For more information about LEARNet, the FACTS Program or any of the association's other programs, you can visit the association web site: Brain Injury Association of New York State , by phone at (800) 228-8201, by e-mail.

Concussions in High School Athethes Featured Tomorrow Morning on ESPN: Outside the Lines

This Sunday, ESPN's Outside the Lines 9:30 AM Eastern Standard Time, will focus on concussions in high school athletes.

From ESPN.com -
"On gridirons across America, young people are playing football -- and inevitably getting hurt. Football is a contact sport and injuries are commonplace, but recent studies show that the number of high school players who get concussions each season range from five percent to as much as 47-percent. Not only are many high school programs understaffed with medical personnel, but it's also common for high school football players keep their symptoms from their coaches or trainers for fear of losing playing time. Coming up on "Outside the Lines," with the long term impact of concussions on NFL players making headlines, we examine a far bigger problem. The concussion epidemic on the high school level"

My friend, Sports Legacy Institute President, Chris Nowinski will appear as a live guest after the piece airs.  Chris is the author of Head Games, a superb book on the crisis of concussions in sports.

Learn more about Chris Benoit's Brain Injury Tonight on Geraldo At Large

Just learned that tonight at 8 PM and 11 PM EST, Sports Legacy Institute founding members will discuss their neuropathology findings and opinions concerning Chris Benoit brain damage.

Vote for TBI Question for Democratic Presidential Debate

If you have been following this blog, you know about Darcy Keith from Fishers, Indiana and the important question she posed to ABC news in connection with the recent republican presidential debate in Iowa.  Now we have a chance to again vote and hopefully the question will be asked in the democratic debate scheduled for August 19th. 

Here's the question:  How are you going to address the needs for services, treatment, rehabilitation and public education for those who have suffered from a traumatic brain injury.

Although the question wasn't asked directly to the candidates during the debate, it was asked in a post debate interview.  Darcy was pleased with the response although it did not address the important issue of public education and awareness of this silent epidemic that affects millions of Americans.

Here is Darcy's response:

The public education of Traumatic Brain Injury is very important.  There is a negative stigma associated with traumatic brain injuries. Most folks don't understand what type of injury this is, not to mention the affect it has on survivors, family caregivers and society.

You can now vote by clicking this link to have this question asked on national television of the democratic candidates.  Simply open the link and then click the box under the video that says rate it.  Click the fifth star to give it the highest possible rating.

Let's go Darcy!

It's Not To Late To Vote For The Brain Injury Question

Good news, Darcy made the first cut in the ABC determination as to what questions they are going to ask the Republican presidential candidates during the Iowa debate. [see my brain injury blog post of August 2]

The voting will end tonight (Saturday) so it's not to late to vote for Darcy's question on brain injury and brain injury support services.

You can cast your ballot by clicking here.

Be sure to click on the rate it button and then use the mouse to click plenty of stars.

Let's make sure that the question on brain injury gets asked.  Help spread the word.

Vote on Asking Presidential Candidates Question on Traumatic Brain Injury Services

On Sunday, August 5th, ABC News is sponsoring a debate in Iowa for the Republican presidential candidates.  Viewers were invited to submit questions in advance and those voted to be the most popular will be asked of the candidates.

Darcy submitted a question concerning traumatic brain injury and our nation's commitment to care for those with brain damage. She needs your help in voting for this question so that it gets asked at the debate.

Here is the letter and instructions on voting for the traumatic brain injury question: 

Hi,

I wanted to ask for your help on something pretty exciting.  Last Thursday, I received a call from ABC New York (yeah - I about dropped the phone).  Because I had submitted a question via ABC's website to Bob Woodruff, which was featured in his interview this past March, they called me to ask if I would submit one for the upcoming presidential debates in Iowa, of which the first one for the Republicans is this Sunday, August 5th. Of course, I agreed.

This is where I need your help.  I uploaded a question to ABC that I want the presidential candidates to address - traumatic brain injury and what is their plan of care (treatment, rehab, services, public education) for TBI victims, especially for the returning soldiers.  ABC posted my question on their website yesterday. They are having viewers log on and vote for their favorite video question that they think George should ask.  The one(s) with the most votes are being considered to be shown on LIVE TV during the Presidential debate this Sunday!

I am really excited about this, though I felt a little deflated after seeing what the public's rating of the question was last night.  Out of 5 stars, 388 viewers have rated it as a 2 1/2.  This emphasizes to me the NEED for public education about traumatic brain injury (TBI) and that the public has no clue of the effect that this type of injury has on the victim, caregiver, and society.  E-mails have been circulating all over the place today among brain injury groups, and now the rating is up to 4 1/2 stars, and the 2nd top rated and 4th most viewed!  Woo Whoo!

Would you help me by voting for the TBI message?  It's easy to do.  I attached the link:

It should come up on the page highlighting the "Most Recent" tab in the middle of the page.  My question, titled "Better treatment for Soldiers with Traumatic Brain Injury", is in the middle of the 3rd page of "Most Recent" at the time of this e-mail.  Click on my video title.  It will take you to a new page that displays the video.  Below the caption, "Darcy Keith! wants to ask the candidates...", there is a box that says "Rate it".  Click on the box and up will pop the 5 empty stars.  Click on the star you think should apply - I hope that you would click on the far right star so that all of them turn yellow to give it a 5 star rating.  Once you have made your choice, the black box will close automatically. 

As Bob Woodruff reported, many veterans and other folks with a TBI do not have available the services, treatment, and rehabilitation that they need.  Please join with me in voting 5 stars and sending America a message that those brave soldiers and the 1.4 million American civilians who get a brain injury every year matter and are important!  The more "views" and star ratings of a video, the more the message will be sent that TBI is an injury that needs to be addressed and treated.  We have been silent long enough.  And, thanks to Bob Woodruff, the injury has been receiving some publicity lately.

If you would please pass this on to as many folks that would help in bringing the issue of traumatic brain injury to the new administration and the public in general by voting for it to be shown on LIVE NATIONAL TV next Sunday, I would be most appreciative.

With deepest gratitude,

Darcy

Woodruff dissed by President Bush

I can't believe the way that President Bush brushed aside Bob Woodruff's question at President Bush's news conference last week during which he received the report from the commission he established to investigate the medical care that returning vets are receiving.

Bush first graciously acknowledged Bob Woodruff and the injuries he received in the blast incident in Iraq.

Then, incredulously, when Bob asked President Bush,  a very straight-forward question --- one for which we all deserve an answer --- as to whether our Nation is moving quickly enough to address the needs of our wounded Service Members and Veterans, our President just brushed him aside!

The question that Bob Woodward asked about the way that brain injured vets are being treated is a legitimate questions that deserves an answer from our commander in chief. 

Let's up that Congress and the press demands a straight forward answer to this question.

View the short video (less than 3 minutes after the 30 second ad at the beginning) by going to the ABC news website.

You can also read Bob Woodruff's web blog to get his spin on all of this.

Thank you to my friend and fellow Brain Injury Association of New York State, public advocate, Ralph Shields for bringing this to my attention.

Brain Injury and Proposed Changes to NFL Disability Plan

I am pleased to be participating in an on line talk radio show tonight featuring a discussion of how the NFL disability plans deals with brain damage and proposed changes to the plan.

We are gong to be discussing the NFL proposal to use the social security disability definition of brain injury as well as the league's own definition.

Unfortunately, traumatic brain injury is poorly defined by the social security administration which does not have a specific category for disability due to traumatic brain injury.  Instead brain injury is grouped under a very confusing category entitled, "Organic mental disorders".  The grouping and the social security administration really are not looking at the extent of injury and the life long consequences to the individual and his family, but is instead focusing on what they consider to be residual functional capacity. 

The social security administration tends to focus on the physical limitations that the individual has rather than the day to day difficulties and the behavior and social limitations that are associated with traumatic brain injuries.   

The Internet broadcast can be heard at 8 pm eastern standard time on sportsmavericks.

Another Guest is Bernie Parrish, former Florida Gator Football Player and Cleveland Brown in the 1960's. Bernie was one of the professional players that strengthened the NFLPA (NFL Players Association) with the dream of making it the most powerful union in sports. Bernie is at the forefront of the Congressional hearing on the fight to restructure the NFL Pension and Disability program.

In addition, Mel Owens, former Linebacker for Los Angeles Ram who is presently a Workers Compensation and Disability Attorney will share his prospective. 

We hope to also have Sylvia Mackey, the wife of John Mackey to call in and discuss "Plan 88"

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury Video Available

The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center's (DVBIC) documentary, "Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury," is now available for viewing on their website.

"Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury" is a 29-minute program, introduced by General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.).  It offers an introduction to traumatic brain injury, a health issue affecting at least 1.4 million Americans each year.  It features the recovery journeys of several service personnel and their families.

Click here for a link to view the video.

Viewers can also visit  the DVBIC web site and click on the education tab at the top of their home page. 

Two related products are also available on the same page at their website:

1) a fact sheet on traumatic brain injury (TBI) awareness and prevention, and

2) a "Documentary User's Guide" for organizations that plan to use this documentary as part of their educational efforts in 2007.  See the website for ordering details.

HBO Documentary: COMA

HBO has announced the broadcast of a new documentary exploring the world of COMA to be aired Tuesady, July 3rd (9:00-10:45 ET/PT).

COMA explores the mysteries of the injured brain and its ability to heal.   Giving voice to people whose quality of life and very existence have been threatened, the special goes inside a top U.S. medical facility for the treatment of head trauma and follows four coma survivors over the course of a year.

Reportedly, the director was given unprecedented access to the Center for Head Injuries at the JFK Medical Center in Edison, NJ.  She chronicles the emotional stories of four families for one year, looking through the eyes of their renowned physicians and neuropsychologists, led by Dr. Joseph Giacino and Dr. Caroline McCagg.   

HBO Special on Concussions in NFL

The HBO show "Real Sports" is airing a story tonight at 10 P.M. (EST) on the hazards of concussions sustained by football players in the N.F.L.

The special will include interviews with Chris Nowinski, author of "Head Games: Football's Concussion Crisis", a great book on the dangers of concussions in all sports; Dr. Bennet Omalu, the neuropathologist from Pittsburgh who investigated the death of Andre Waters and concluded that multiple concussions caused or severely worsened his condition (Brain Damage Caused Ex Players Suicide) and the new co chair of the NFL Concussion Committee, Ira Casson, M.D.

As I previously reported, the NFL is scheduled to hold a concussion summit on June 19th in Chicago.  All team physicians and trainers are required to attend this important gathering.

 

Brain Injury Two Hour Special On NPR This Afternoon

A two-hour radio program, today, about traumatic brain injuries will feature ABC newsman Bob Woodruff as well as service members, their families and the medical staff that treated them.

At 2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time today, Talk of the Nation will air live from the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. The invited audience will include patients with traumatic brain injuries and their families.

The program will also include National Naval Medical Center staff members Rear Adm. Adam Robinson, Bethesda commander; Cmdr. Jim Dunne, the lead trauma surgeon; and Dr. Maria Mouratidis, who heads the Traumatic Stress and Brain Injury Program. Doctors will explain how they treat head injuries from the moment they happen to recovery in the United States.

Listeners can call in at (800) 989-8255 or e-mail  To find a local station, visit NPR Web site where you can also listen to their streaming audio feed.  Thanks to the AirForce Times for bringing this show to my attention.

More videos on traumatic brain injury

Following the feedback from yesterday's posts on brain injury video's and news stories. here are some video news clips from MSNBC and NBC on the devastating life long consequences of traumatic brain injury:

After brain injury, a silent struggle to start over  A brain injury survivor discusses her struggles following a severe brain trauma. 

After initial brain injury, damage continues  Experts predict treatments will emerge to halt long spiral of impairment following brain trauma.

Brain injuries common for returning Iraq war vets  Thanks to body armor, thousands survive combat but face lengthy brain injury rehabilitation.

List of ABC News Features on Bob Woodruff and Traumatic Brain Injury

Since the release of Bob Woodruff's ABC News documentary To Iraq and Back, there have been many more ABC news features on traumatic brain Injuries, the treatment of wounded returning Iraq service members suffering from brain trauma, family issues and more.

I am listing the many specials below so that those who haven't had a chance to view and read them all can catch up.

To Iraq and Back  (video) Bob Woodruff reports

An unforeseen cost of war; Thousands of veterans are returning from war with traumatic brain injuries.

Are veterans receiving the level of care they deserve (video)

Bob Woodruff family fund for traumatic brain injury  Official web site for Bob Woodruff's fund to support brain injury soldiers and their families

Husband not the same after Iraq Explosion  Wife finds him changed, but it takes VA two years to diagnose brain injury

It's an embarrassment, Absolutely  Veterans react to Woodruff documentary with complaints of treatment at local VA hospitals

Where are heros heal  Bob Woodruff follows the rehabilitation of wounded veterans

Woodruff Doctors on Brain Injury Treatment (video) Bob Woodruff's doctors answer questions on traumatic brain injury. 

Brain Injury Awareness Day in Washignton DC

Correction:  My previous post (which I now corrected) had the incorrect date.  The correct date is Tuesday March 13th.

Contact your congressional representative and invite them to the fair, the round table and the congressional reception.

Net Interview on Traumatic Brain Injury

I am pleased that I will be the guest from 3:00 PM - 4:00 (eastern time) on the Heath Radio Network with host, Melanie Cole to discuss the public heath crisis of traumatic brain injury in America today.  Hopefully we will talk about the deplorable way that the VA is dealing with traumatic brain injuries as well as concussion in sports and the need for reauthorization of the traumatic brain injury act.

You can listen in to the show and my interview from your computer by going to the health radio network and clicking listen button on the top of the screen.

Bob Woodruff Exposes The Tragedy of Traumatic Brain Injury

Any one who viewed the ABC Special, "To Iraq and Back", which recounted the severe traumatic brain injuries sustained by Bob Woodruff would have been extremely pleased by his exceptional recovery.

Bob makes a point however of saying that he is one of the rare lucky survivors of traumatic brain injury.  His recovery and the exceptional care that he received is unfortunately not the rule but the rare exception.  He, as do I want the world to know that survivors of traumatic brain injury do not always fair as well as he has.

His recovery was truly miraculous.  The care and attention that he received should be the gold standard for all persons in need of medical and rehabilitation services following a TBI.

Unfortunately, the sad truth of traumatic brain injury is that the care received by many brain injury survivors both in and out of the military is not on the same level as the care that Bob Woodruff received.  Insurance companies routinely deny benefits to those in need, prematurely terminate rehabilitation services and disallow therapies that would improve the quality of life for brain injury survivors.

Many survivors of traumatic brain injury are unable to return to their homes, families and communities because services are non existent or inaccessible to them.  Far to many survivors of traumatic brain injury are left in institutions rather than returned to the community because of their inability to access benefits.

We all should be thankful to Bob Woodruff and his family for coming forward and opening the eyes of the American public to the horrors following traumatic brain injury.  The 5.3 million Americans who have sustained a traumatic brain injury need a Bob Woodruff so that our nation confronts this epidemic and public health crisis.

I look forward to working with Bob and his family to further the mission of the Brain Injury Association of New York State which is to improve the quality of life for persons with a brain injury, their family and friends and to prevent future brain injuries from happening.

 

Bob Woodruff Special on Traumatic Brain Injury Set to Air Tomorrow Evening

Just a reminder that Bob Woodruff' special on traumatic brain injury and the injuries sustained by our troops in Iraq is set to air tomorrow, Tuesday, February 27 on ABC, 10 PM Eastern Time.

The news documentary will chronicle his rehabilitation following the brain trauma he sustained in Iraq.  It will also explore the difficulties that returning vets are having receiving necessary treatment.

Choosing the Right Anti-Epileptic Drug For Your Child

The New York University Comprehensive Epilepsy sponsored group known as FACES, Findings A Cure For Epilepsy and Seizures in continuing its evening lecture series with a new program scheduled for Monday, June 12th, FACES at NYU Medical Center – Skirball Building, 3rd Floor Seminar Room from 6pm-7pm.  The evening’s topic will be “Choosing the Right Anti-Epileptic Drug for Your Child,” presented by Dr. Josiane LaJoie.  To attend the lecture, please register by  clicking here .

They will also be testing a live webcast of the lecture with live streaming video available on the Internet from 6pm-7pm by clicking here .  To view the broadcast, your computer will require Real Player.  You can download a free version of the player by clicking here .

On Tuesday, June 13th , FACES will host a parent and adult support group meeting.  The meeting will take place at NYU Medical Center at 550 First Avenue (at 32nd Street) in the Skirball Building’s 2nd Floor Conference room.  The meeting will begin promptly at 6pm and end at 7pm.  Please contact Melissa  with any questions.

Stduents With Traumatic Brain Injury: Behavavior Assessment and Problem Solving

Behavior issues following brain damage presents a great deal of challenges to the school system.  Unfortunately, most educators have not received any training in how to recognize and deal with the issues following the return to school after a traumatic brain injury (TBI).  Children are frequently mislabeled and do not receive the services they so desperately deserve. 

A new TBI Web cast: "Behavior Assessment and Problem Solving Using Positive Behavior Supports for Students with Traumatic Brain Injury," sponsored by the National Association of Head Injury Administrators and the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Maternal Health Project has been announced.

The Web cast will take place Thursday, April 27, 2006, from 2:00pm to 3:30pm EDT, and it is easy to register!  To register for the event, click here.   

If you are a parent with a child who has sustained a brain injury or brain damage, I encourage you to join this event AND inform your school (special education department and classroom teachers) so that they can participate as well.

The Web cast takes place entirely online and REQUIRES PRIOR online registration to ensure that your computer meets all technical requirements.  Be sure to use the same computer to view the Web cast that you used to register.

This Web cast will be useful as a training resource for a wide variety of educators, school nurses and other school staff working with students who have traumatic brain injury.

The scheduled presenter is Linda R. Wilkerson, MS.Ed. She works with the Kansas Neurologic Disabilities Support Project, and has presented similar material that has been received enthusiastically by educators.  Her presentation will enable participants to understand why it is important to correctly identify students with TBI and provide them with appropriate supports and services.  Participants will be able to construct positive plans to deal with problem behaviors.  The Web cast also provides ways to identify potential behavior problem "triggers" for students following a TBI and develop positive interventions to proactively deal with students to avoid classroom disruption.  The main presentation will be followed by a question and answer session.

For anyone who can't be present for the 4/27 Web cast premiere, there will be an archived copy available about one week after the event by clicking here 

Brain Injury Association of Texas Launches Public Educational Campaign

The Brain Injury Association of Texas (BIATX) today launched an aggressive public education campaign to improve the lives of those affected by a traumatic brain injury (TBI.) Each year in Texas, 144,000 people sustain a TBI. Of these individuals, less than one in 20 will receive the appropriate rehabilitation.

The campaign is designed to educate is to educate families throughout Texas about funding available through the Comprehensive Rehabilitative Services Fund.

In the 2005 Texas passed legislation securing this fund which is dedicated to assisting Texas residents who have suffered traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. The fund is available to people who otherwise would not have the financial resources to obtain the necessary and timely medical treatment for their recovery. With the Comprehensive Rehabilitative Services Fund, people who have suffered such injuries are more likely to receive rehabilitation in a timely manner -- within 18 months of an injury.

BIATX launched the campaign with the distribution of a public service announcement to state-wide broadcast media featuring Keith Haskins. After a November 2002 car accident left him with a traumatic brain injury, Haskins received funding for rehabilitation from the state. Because he received proper care in the appropriate time frame, Haskins made a remarkable recovery. He is back at work in Baytown, TX as an accomplished welder. He drives to and from work, attends school and lives independently. Without the Comprehensive Rehabilitative Services Fund, Haskins says, his new life would not have been possible.

"The right services delivered at the right time makes all the difference in the world," Eric Makowski, President-Elect and Public Policy Chair for the Brain Injury Association of Texas, said. "Without these funds, individuals may not receive the proper treatment and will be dependent on a lifetime of expensive state-supported on-going institutional care."

Research has shown that prompt treatment is critical to the rehabilitative recovery of the brain. Without the proper intervention during this window of opportunity, an individual may be doomed to a life with permanent, significant disabilities. These disabilities may impact speech, motor control, sight, hearing, or memory and reasoning, among other cognitive functions.

More information on the Brain Injury Association of Texas can be found by  clicking here .

It is my understanding that several states now have some type of brain injury trust fund which is primarily financed from surcharges levied against motor vehicle traffic violations.  I know that such a fund exists in New Jersey and Alabama in addition to Texas.

Hoepfully more states, including my state of New York will institute a special trust fund for victims of head injury and brain damage.

Assistance for Children With Brain Injury

A Web cast, "Behavior Assessment and Problem Solving Using Positive Behavior Supports for Students with Traumatic Brain Injury" will be presented by the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Technical Assistance Center at the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA).  This Web cast is funded by the Federal TBI Program.

When:  Thursday, April 27, 2006, from 2:00pm to 3:30pm EDT

This Web cast is intended for use as a training resource for teachers, special educators, school nurses, and other school personnel working with students with traumatic brain injury.

According to the program sponsors "through this Web cast participants will learn why it is important to correctly identify students with TBI and provide them with appropriate supports and services.  This discussion will inform participants how to identify problem behaviors and construct positive plans to deal with these behaviors.  Participants will also be able to identify possible triggers of
behavior problems for students following a TBI and develop positive interventions to proactively deal with behaviors that disrupt the learning atmosphere of the classroom.  The discussion will be followed by a question and answer session.

How:  The Web cast takes place entirely online and requires prior online registration. A technical check of your computer will be conducted automatically during the registration process. To ensure that your computer meets all technical requirements, please register at least a couple of days
in advance of the Web cast, and be sure to use the same computer to register that you will use to attend the event.

Register for the event  by clicking here .   If you experience any technical difficulties while registering, please submit a question by clicking here .   An archived version of the Web cast will be available about one week after the event  by clicking here .

New York State Brain Injury Association Fundraising Dance

Erika Kirtoglou of Spiegeltown was just 17-years-old when her car collided with another head-on. She was thrown from the car and landed head first into a telephone pole.

Doctors never expected her to even speak or walk again, but she has definitely defied the odds. She is a writer, dancer, and a traumatic brain injury survivor. Now she's dancing her way to make others aware that there is hope for traumatic brain injuries.

On Saturday, March 25, 2006, a fundraiser to benefit the Brain Injury Association of New York State is being hosted by Erika, her family and friends.

Surviving Dancers' Fundraising Flurry: Making Dreams Come True
Saturday, March 25, 2006
6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
The Desmond
660 Albany-Shaker Road
Albany, NY
Tickets- $50

More information can be obtained at the Brain Injury Association of New York State web site.

You can watch an interview with Erika on Capital News 9 by clicking here .

More on brain damage and Iraq conflict

The epidemic of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the brain damage caused to military personnel comes from a British television report and exclusive footage from within the U.S. army traumatic brain rehabilitation facility in Palo Alto, California.

With 16,000 American soldiers wounded in Iraq, this news report suggests that as many as 7,000 have become victims of brain trauma with only 800 of them treated at specialized army brain injury rehabilitation facilities.

The footage contained in this news report is quite distressing. The report is useful for its in depth look at the life long consequences of brain damage caused from a traumatic brain injury or a traumatic head injury.  You can view the full program by clicking here and then downloading the video.

Senator Martinez, Senator Frist, President Bush, take a look, hopefully this will convince you that funds must be restored in the Federal Budget for traumatic brain injury rehabilitation.

Watch Epilepsy Surgery on Live Web Broadcast

Temporal lobectomy, a surgical procedure that involves removing parts of the temporal lobe that cause seizures, is offering hope to epilepsy patients who have not been responsive to medical therapy.

A frequent cause of temporal lobe epilepsy is brain trauma.

Neurologists and neurosurgeons at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center use electroencephalograms (EEG), positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the state-of-the-art Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) to pinpoint the exact origin of the disease. Surgeons then remove the scarred tissue to reduce or eliminate the seizures.

On Wednesday March 1 at 5 p.m. neurosurgeon Steven Glazier, M.D. will perform a temporal lobectomy during a live Internet broadcast. The surgery removes a small part of the temporal lobe, part of the brain that extends from the temples to just past the ears.

You can get more information on this live broadcast by going to the Wake Forest University Epilepsy Site.

Neurological Exam

Following my earlier post on neurological exams, I just came across information that the University of Nebraska School of Medicine and University of Utah School of Medicine have created a comprehensive neurology curriculum (free):

The neurological exam is well-illustrated with many QuickTime video files

Neurology cases to accompany the neurological exam video.

Videos are also available on Google video  where you can search for the physical exam maneuver you are interested in.

Thanks to the clinical cases and imaging blog for this information.

Information on Drug Induced Coma

National Public Radio (NPR) did an interesting story today on some of the reasons why a pati