Brain Injury Lawyer - New York

Brain information lesson plans

Thanks to the Dana Press, Brain in the News for tipping us off to a web site that has developed lesson plans  for teaching middle school aged children about the Brain.

Topics include:

Anatomy of the Brain
Protecting the Brain
The Nervous System
Neurons
Meet a Neuroscientist

The site was developed by Ms. Lynn Bleeker, a middle school science teacher.

You can click brain injury lesson plans to access the site, Neuroscience for Kids.

Brain Injury Survivor Web Site of the Month

Thanks to the Northeast Center for Special Care for alerting us to their web site of the month.  This month they feature a web site entitled Canine and Abled created by brain injury survivor Kimberly Carnevale.

Ten years ago Kimberly Carnevale was an accomplished professional equestrian and an Olympic hopeful.  She was competing on the prestigious Grand Prix Show jumping circuit and was vying for a position on the United State Equestrian Team.  Things were bright in Kimberly's life until a motor vehicle accident brought her dreams to a halt.  The accident resulted in a traumatic brain injury, multiple injuries and seizures.

A brain injury is a dramatic, life-changing event for anyone, as it was for Kimberly.  Her goal of competing as an equestrian and making the Olympic team were over.  There was, however, another life-changing event that happened about the same time.

Four years before her accident Kimberly rescued an eighteen-month old German Shepherd/St. Bernard mix pup that was about to be put asleep.  "Dewey," came home and became a part of Kimberly's family.  She had no idea at the time the role Dewey would play in her life.

After her accident Kimberly discovered that when she was about to have a seizure, Dewey was able to detect the impending seizure and alert her.  During and after her seizures, Dewey remained close to her side as a comfort.  Dewey had the ability to be a seizure-alert dog.  Dogs with this ability can alert and/or assist individuals during a seizure.

After viewing a program about service dogs on the cable network Animal Planet, Kimberly enrolled Dewey in service dog training and he became a certified service dog.  After his training Dewey was able to do more than only alerting Kimberly to impending seizures and maintain a comforting presence, he also pulled her wheelchair, retrieved items and assisted in helping her relearn to walk again.

There were other events that would also change Kimberly's life.  After becoming a certified service dog, and despite the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations, Kimberly was denied access to some public areas with Dewey.  Access denial for individuals and their service dogs sadly remains too common. 

After reading disability discrimination posts at the northeast center news feed about individuals with disabilities being denied access to retail stores, restaurants, and even schools because of having their service dog with them, Kimberly was motivated to establish an organization and website dedicated to the education and awareness of service dogs.

Head Cases: Stories of Brain Injury and its Aftermath

Head Cases: Stories of Brain Injury and its Aftermath, is a new book authored by Michael Paul Mason which describes his visits to Balad Air Base, 30 miles north of Baghdad which he terms the "brain injury capital of the world"  and the difficulties faced by returning service members and their families.

A review of this book was published in the New York Times on April 2, 2008.  The review describes the book as follows: "As a writer, Mr. Mason stakes out a position midway between Oliver Sacks and Oprah Winfrey.  He goes light on the science, presenting his case studies primarily as human dramas.  We meet the loved ones, revisit the hometowns, relive in minute detail the horrific accidents that caused the injuries." 

"A persistent theme runs through the book:  the poor treatment available to patients with crippling behavioral problems related to head injuries.  Lack of dedicated hospital units, bureaucratic red tape and obstinate insurance companies frustrate Mr. Mason and his subjects at every turn.  Many families, worn out by the system stand by helplessly as their brain injured relatives languish in psychiatric wards, heavily sedated, and hopelessly confused.

Head injuries, Mr. Mason notes, often described in medical records as "an insult to the brain."  It's an apt phrase,  But, the insults do not stop at the end of the hospital stay.

Michael Paul Mason,  will be speaking  on Wednesday, April 9th at 7 pm at, Book Culture, which is located at 536 W. 112th Street in Manhattan.

Access to Mental Hygenie Records in New York State

For those attempting to obtain mental health records, The Commission on Quality Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities has published a new pamphlet "Access to Mental Hygiene Records in New York State: A Guide for Individuals Receiving Services and Other Qualified Persons." 

The pamphlet offers guidance for individuals receiving services, their families and other persons legally authorized to obtain records, in a question and answer format, together with references to applicable provisions of the Mental Hygiene Law.  This pamphlet can be accessed at the commission's web site.

Traumatic Brain Injury and Senior Citizens: New CDC Publications

As you may know, falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and people ages 75 and older have the highest rates of TBI-related hospitalizations and death.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wants to improve the ability of children and other caregivers of older adults to prevent TBI from occurring and to recognize and respond appropriately should their loved one sustain a TBI.

Therefore, CDC has developed the "Help Seniors Live Better, Longer: Prevent Brain Injury" initiative, an exciting new communication campaign designed to raise awareness about ways to prevent, recognize, and respond to fall- related TBI in older adults.  CDC plans to launch the initiative in March
2008 during Brain Injury Awareness Month.  To support local activities surrounding the “Help Seniors Live Better Longer: Prevent Brain Injury” initiative, CDC has developed the “Event Planning” and “Media Access” guides, which are available online .

These guides are designed to assist with planning and hosting successful community events and working effectively with the media to raise awareness about this serious public health issue.  The 36-page “Event Planning Guide” includes suggestions and tools for planning and organizing a community event, for enlisting partners, and for promoting and evaluating an event.

The 64-page “Media Access Guide” includes tips and tools, such as talking points and templates for press releases and media advisories, to help you work with your local media to get valuable news coverage for the activities you plan in support of this national effort.

At De Caro & Kaplen, LLP, we concentrate our practice on representing persons with traumatic brain injury.  What set's us apart from most personal injury law firms is our commitment and compassion to protect the rights of brain injury victims.

Full Military Traumatic Brain Injury Task Force Report

My earlier post today concerned the Military Traumatic Brain Injury Task Force Report.

The full report can be read 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.

New Spanish Language Web Site on Neurological Disorders

Free, accurate information on many neurological disorders is now available on a new Spanish language website from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The website is available by clicking here .

Health information featured on the new website includes publications on stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and autism, as well as many other neurological disorders. The publications can be downloaded or ordered free of charge. The website also provides information on clinical studies, links to non-profit organizations that offer information and assistance on neurological disorders, and a contact form where people can submit questions on topics related to health and biomedical research.

Psychology Glossary of Terms

Ever heard a psychological term or read a term that you didn't understand? I recently came across a very good list at Psych Central which has published a Psychology Glossary reference, a fast and simple way to look-up a psychology term and see it used in an example or context. A quick and easy way to check on the meaning of something you don’t quite understand, especially for students of psychology and those reading psychological reports. Click psychology glossary of terms to assist you.

Brain Injury Publication Available on Line

The Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development (JRRD) has released a single-topic issue on traumatic brain injury (TBI) and polytrauma. Focused on the diagnosis and treatment of TBI, this issue examines the clinical characteristics of military personnel returning from combat and describes several healthcare models that are providing care and support to them and their families. According to the Journal editors,  “The purpose of this special issue is to document lessons learned that will enhance the identification and treatment of veterans with polytrauma across the country.”

Topics in this issue include:

• Treatment of patients with posttraumatic stress disorder and mild TBI
• Military and VA telemedicine systems for patients with TBI
• Operational description of the VA Palo Alto Polytrauma Network Site
• Neuropsychiatric perspective on TBI.

This issue is available for download at no charge by going to the  Brain Injury Rehabilitation Publication Web Site.   The print version is due for release Dec. 14. Printed copies can be requested by sending an e-mail message  Please be sure to include your complete mailing address in your request.

Top ten emerging areas of neuroscience research

The Neurotechnology Industry Organization (NIO) has announced the top ten emerging areas of neuroscience that will impact the future of treatments for brain and nervous system.

According to NIO, the trade association that represents the 500 companies worldwide developing treatments for the brain and nervous system, the US economic burden of brain-related disorders has reached more than $1 trillion, highlighting the acute need for continued neuroscience research and therapeutic development.

Top 10 trends of 2007:

• Advancing discovery tools underpin innovation: beyond biochips and brain imaging, recent advances in neuroinformatics, image-based neural circuit analysis, and neural computation are accelerating the pace of neuroscientific discovery beyond what was imagined a decade ago.
• Neuroimmunology leading to new treatment targets: the discovery that immune molecules play a crucial role in shaping neuronal connections opens up new treatment targets for Alzheimer's, autism, ALS, Parkinson's, schizophrenia, and nerve injury.
• National Neurotechnology Initiative: momentum for the new $200M/year federal R&D initiative aimed at accelerating translational neurotech innovation and improving the effectiveness of FDA review process for neuroscience drugs, devices and diagnostics grows.
• Neurodevice interfaces improve prosthetics and treatments: advanced brain-machine interfaces (BMI) enable the severely handicapped to independently compose e-mails and operate a TV in their homes. Other neurodevices provide functional stimulation for the treatment of pain, Parkinson's, obesity, and psychiatric disorders.
• Addiction advances: new research clarifies the role of drugs on sleep, cocaine's potency, and the brain changes that occur due to abuse leading to new treatment strategies for this epidemic impacting over 1.1 billion worldwide.
• Normal aging brain gets more attention: more research and development is being focused on thinking impairments that only partially limit independence and quality of life for senior citizens, adults and school aged children.
• Neurosoftware will penetrate nursing homes and schools, as brain fitness software becomes new first-line treatment strategy.
• Regenerating the spinal cord: new experimental therapies in development could open the doors for research to improve treatments for people with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, stroke, and other severe movement disorders
• Prevention evidence grows: you are what you eat; smoking is as bad as we thought; and new studies reveal the effects of environmental substances on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and others.
• Emotional disorders research advances: new research continues to link neurogenesis to treatment of depression. A better understanding of PTSD should lead to new treatment regimes.
• Neuroscience infiltrates society: from neuroeconomics to neuroesthetics to neuroethics and neurolaw, the influence of neuroscience on society continues to grow.

New Lead Poisoning Recommendations Released by CDC

The Center for Disease Control's Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention has issued new recommendations in a report issued last week.

Lead contamination and exposure to lead is associated with significant cognitive impairments, motor impairments and behavioral difficulties in children.  In 1991 the CDC defined  the blood lead level (BLL) that should prompt public health action as 10 units.  Since that time, strong evidence has been discovered to show that lead levels below 10 units should be of concern to public health officials as well as parents and medical personnel. 

The full CDC Lead report  can be found on line at the CDC web site. The report is dated November 2, 2007 and is number 56(RR08); 1-14; 16

Interesting Brain Web Sites

Thanks to the Dana Foundation Press for pointing out the following interesting web sites devoted to the brain:

The Law and Neuroscience Project is  a collaborative project of more than two dozen universities that has received funding to help address concerning the brain including addiction, the violent brain and the persistent vegetative state.  Check out the resources tab at the Law and Neuroscience Project web site.

The Dana Foundation has launched a neuroethics page complete with news articles, podcasts and videos along with recommended reading. Check it out by clicking here.

There has been a lot of recent attention devoted to delirium and cognitive impairment sustained by patients in Intensive Care Units of hospitals.  Vanderbilt University has a study group devoted to this issue and has resources posted at its ICU Delirium study group web site including suggestive cognitive assessments for those who may be suffering from impairment as well as instructional videos.  The site can be found by clicking here.

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.

10-in-10 Project

I had the privilege this morning of having breakfast with Peter C. Kinney, the treasurer of a really good not for profit organization known as the 10 in 10 Project whose goal is to assist our brain injured troops and the civilian population who are living with brain injuries and are unable to afford or access the necessary assistance.

Through a fund raising program called Tickets of Hope they are raising funds to assist those in need and provide a kit known as the Brain Injury Recovery Kit produced by Day Timer which is a memory aid and planner for brain injured individuals.

Donations totaling $600 purchase one Ticket of Hope™

For each Ticket they sell the the 10 in 10 Project is able to provide:

• One Brain Injury Recovery Kit™ shipped to the individual's home,
• A support program for use of the Kit with the assistance of The Brain Injury Association of New Mexico, (BIANM)
• Membership to the Chartered Affiliate Brain Injury Association in the individual's state to be guided to additional resources.

I look forward to working with this dedicated group of individuals on this project.

You can get further information by visiting the 10 in 10 Project web site. You can also e mail them for further information and to request assistance.

New Injury Control Research Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Established at New York's Mount Sinai School of Medicine

Congratulations to New York City's Mount Sinai School of Medicine for being designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  as its newest Injury Control Research Center (ICRC). The new center will conduct research on persons with traumatic brain injuries in order to better understand the consequences of their injury and to help enhance the quality of their lives.

CDC’s Injury Control Research Centers (ICRC) are located at 13 universities throughout the United States. At each ICRC, scientists from a wide spectrum of disciplines focus upon discovering how to prevent and control injuries more effectively. They also work to identify critical knowledge gaps in injury risk and protection and also conduct research to address these gaps.

This network of ICRCs also provide technical assistance to injury prevention and control programs within their geographic region. At the Mount Sinai ICRC the focus will be only TBI, including concussion, while other centers focus on other disabilities.

Mount Sinai’s new Center will evaluate promising treatments that address many of the consequences of brain injury, such as impaired cognitive functioning, mood disturbances, and emotional difficulties. The Center will help better identify people with brain injury, and their needs and problems. Lastly, it will look at improving community integration and functioning, and will help educate those most affected by TBI.

VA Offers On Line Traumatic Brain Injury Course

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers an on-line Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Independent Study Course.  This curriculum presents an overview of TBI issues that primary care practitioners may encounter when providing care to veterans and active duty military personnel.  While it is primarily designed for medical personnel and other practitioners interested in traumatic brain injury care, the course contains useful information for everyone.

You may access the on-line independent study course directly by establishing a username and password by clicking here.  When you go to the site you can also download a pdf version of the course without registering. 

New web site for Sports Legacy Institute

My good friend Chris Nowinski, author of Head Games, a wonderful book about the crisis of concussions in sports today, has just launched a new web site for the Sports Legacy Institute.

The Sports Legacy Institute  (SLI) is dedicated to studying the effects of concussions and other sports related brain injuries.  Through its efforts, SLI aims to  maximize the safety and vitality of all athletes who participate in contact and collision sports around the globe. 

If you go to the Institutes's web site, you can get on their email list to be updated on their mission.

Change the Face of Sports - Make a Donation to the Sports Legacy Institute:

To promote medical and scientific research, education, prevention, and advocacy in brain related sports injury issues, the Sports Legacy Institute relies on the financial support of people who are interested in seeing the health and wellness of athletes of all ages and the overall safety of sports improved.   Click here for further information about donating to the Sports Legacy Institute.

Free On Line Brain Injury Magazine

Thanks to Mind Hacks for alerting me to an on line magazine called cerebrum published by the neuroeducation not for profit organization known as the Dana Foundation.

The monthly on line brain publication discusses emerging topics in brain science. This month's issue features an article on pain control.  Past issues have discussed cerebral malaria and chemical reactions in the brain following brain damage known as a glutamate storm.

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.

Brain Injury Association Receives Award For Web Based School Learning Program

Congratulations to the Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS) for an award received in the amount of $150,000 from the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) to establish and sustain a web-based resource for families and school district personnel working with students with Acquired and Traumatic Brain Injury (ATBI)

The award is intended for the establishment and to sustain a web-based resource for families and school district personnel working with students with Acquired and Traumatic Brain Injury (ATBI.) The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS) is a statewide non-profit membership organization that advocates on behalf of individuals with brain injury and their families, and promotes prevention. Established in 1982, BIANYS provides education, advocacy, and community support services that lead to improved outcomes for children and adults with brain injuries and their families.   I have been honored to have served three terms as president of the Brain Injury Association of New York State.

BIANYS and the DDPC recognize that successful life transitions for students with ATBI requires very specific knowledge and awareness of brain injury. It was also well established that teachers and parents do not have enough resources to address the needs of students with ATBI.

This grant will develop a sustainable website called Project LEARNET that can be utilized by parents and teachers as a resource when looking for the best solution to a variety of problems involving students with brain injuries. During the next year, BIANYS will focus on marketing the website with government agencies and professional agency partners such as the State Education Department, school districts and families.

CDC Updates Definition of Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revised educational materials for physicians treating concussions and mild traumatic brain injury, terms that the CDC says are interchangeable.   As part of their revision they have updated the definition of concussion to reflect current medical opinion.

The CDC defines Concussion  or mild traumatic brain injury as follows:

Definition of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI): The term mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is used interchangeably with the term concussion. An MTBI or concussion is defined as a complex pathophysiologic process affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechanical forces secondary to direct or indirect forces to the head. MTBI is caused by a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the function of the brain. This disturbance of brain function is typically associated with normal structural neuroimaging findings (i.e., CT scan, MRI).

MTBI results in a constellation of physical, cognitive, emotional and/or sleep-related symptoms and may or may not involve a loss of consciousness (LOC). Duration of symptoms is highly variable and may last from several minutes to days, weeks, months, or even longer in some cases

"Heads Up: Brain Injury in Your Practice" is a multimedia toolkit the CDC gives physicians to help provide earlier diagnosis, management and appropriate referral for patients with concussions.

A key component of the revised kit is an assessment guide to help physicians recognize a concussion earlier.

The physicians' kit contains easy-to-use clinical information tools, including facts about concussions, how to prevent them, a palm card for on-site management of sports-related concussions and a CD with downloadable materials and additional resources. It can be ordered for free from the CDC,

Brain Injury Survivors Writing New Book About Their Experiences

Occasionally, I am requested to post information by survivors of brain injury concerning projects that they are involved with. 

Here is one such request by a brain injury survivor (Jessica) and her spouse and caregiver (Gary) who are doing research for a book titled, "We Changed Our Minds:
Successfully Surviving a Brain Injury."

Jessica and Gary write that their book is an exploration of how survivors of a brain injury and their caregivers define a "successful" recovery and how they go about living "successfully" with their impairments.

To help them answer these questions, they are recruiting survivors and caregivers to participate in their project.  The participants will be asked to complete a short questionnaire and respond, periodically, to questions regarding their recovery, their rehabilitation, and how well they are living with their brain injury.  All participants will receive regular reports on their research conclusions.

Jessica and Gary will donate any profits derived from this project to those brain injury organizations that participate.

You can learn more about the project at their web site

If you have any news, information or events concerning brain injury for future posting, please do not hesitate to contact me.

New journal devoted to brain stimulation

The publication of a new journal devoted to the emerging science of brain stimulation has been announced.  The cross-disciplinary journal, titled Brain Stimulation:  Basic, Translational, and Clinical Research in Neuromodulation, will premiere later this year.

According to the publishers, Brain Stimulation will cover all aspects of this rapidly evolving field, from the most basic molecular research, to innovative technology and surgical techniques, to practical clinical studies.  The editorial focus will encompass all technologies and methods using any type of stimulation—electrical, magnetic, ultrasound, or pharmacological, and others—to affect brain function.  The goal will be to provide a single source for the most important studies in all areas related to neuromodulation, spanning scientific disciplines and medical and surgical specialties.

The journal will be published quarterly.

I look forward to reviewing this journal once it is published.

Information on Coma and Persistent Vegetative State

The national institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has published an updated information page on coma and persistent vegetative states.

Informational topics include:

• What is a Coma and Persistent Vegetative State
• Is there any treatment
• What is the prognosis
• What research is being done

You can access the coma informational site by clicking here.

Brain Jokes for Kids

Sometimes there is nothing like a good joke to break the ice or tension of the moment.  Part of the neuroscience for kids web site is devoted to brain jokes.

Here is just a small sample of the jokes.

What is a sleeping brain's favorate music group?

What does a brain do when it sees a friend across the street?

Where does a brain go on vacation?

You'll have to go to brain jokes to get the answers!

Thanks to Brainwaves for the headsup.

New blog on brain imaging technology

Thanks to BrainWaves for information on a fascinating new blog blog devoted to reporting, analyzing and interpreting the latest results in the field of brain imaging technologies.  Take a look at BrainWindows for a peek at this exciting new technology guaranteed to change the way we look at the brain and cognition.

Digital Brain Atlas

If you interested in an interactive digital brain atlas, then the images at brainmaps might be for you. The site contains thousands of microscopic brain images including 3 D slides of the brain.  It includes both animal and human brains and the site authors say it is the largest site of this kind.  Thanks to the Dan Gordon at the Dana's Foundation's Brain in the News for providing a heads up on this site.

More Attention Needed for Family Members Following a Traumatic Brain Injury

After a traumatic brain injury medical professionals tend to focus on the patient but research shows a great impact on family members as well. Studies in the 1970s began to recognize these issues, while other work in the 1980s documented emotional distress that persisted for up to seven years and many studies in the 1990s identified tremendous levels of stress on caregivers and family members. The special April issue of the journal NeuroRehabilitation sheds light on the substantial advances in the science of family member and caregiver research with six special articles by experts in the field, exploring ways in which interventions can be targeted for optimum effectiveness.

The special issue is entitled "Brain Injury and the Family"  Guest Editor: Angelle M. Sander NeuroRehabilitation, Volume 22, Issue 1, (April 2007) Published by IOS Press

Traumatic Brain Injury and the Criminal Justice System

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed two new
TBI resources.  The first, "Traumatic Brain Injury: A Guide for Criminal Justice Professionals," provides an overview of TBI, information on the extent of TBI and related problems within the criminal justice system, and how these problems can be addressed.  Click this link to download your copy of the  7-page Traumatic Brain Injury Guide for Criminal Justice Professionals publication.

The second is titled "Traumatic Brain Injury in Prisons and Jails: An Unrecognized Problem."  This 5-page guide provides information for TBI professionals about what is known about individuals with TBI in prisons and jails, how TBI-related problems affect them and others while they are incarcerated, and what is needed to address these problems.
Click this link to obtain the Traumatic Brain Injury In Prisons and Jail publication. 

Latest CDC Statistics Show Increases in Traumatic Brain Injury

The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control on the epidemic of traumatic brain injury in the United States as contained in the MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality weekly review) [March 2, 2007 / 56(08);167-170] shows a startling increase in the rates of hospitalization for persons suffering from head trauma.

According to the CDC:  "Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Each year, on average, TBIs are associated with an estimated 1.1 million emergency department visits, 235,000 hospitalizations, and 50,000 deaths in the United States (1). For 2002, the overall rate of TBI-related hospitalization reported by the 12 states in the CDC TBI surveillance system was 79.0 per 100,000 population (2); across these states, however, the rates varied substantially (from 50.6 in Nebraska to 96.9 in Arizona). To update results from the CDC TBI surveillance system, CDC analyzed data from 2003, the most recent year for which data were available. This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which indicated that an estimated 28,819 persons (87.9 per 100,000 population) were hospitalized with a TBI-related diagnosis in the nine states that reported data for 2003. For all age groups combined, rates were higher among males. Age-specific rates were highest among persons aged >75 years. Unintentional motor-vehicle--traffic incidents (MV-T) and unintentional falls were the two leading causes associated with TBI-related hospitalization. The findings underscore the need for states to continue monitoring the occurrence, external causes, and risk factors for TBI and to design and implement more effective injury-prevention programs."

With the increasing number of service connected brain injuries, these numbers are only going to increase.  Adequate funding for TBI research, treatment and prevention programs still needs to be addressed.

Support the reauthorization of the TBI ACT!

Brain site for students and teachers

Just came across a neat web site for both students and teachers called "Brains Rule!".  The site is sponsored by the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. 

The site provides information about the brain in an easy format for children to understand as well as providing information and teaching plans for learning about the brain and how it functions.

Volunteers needed for brain injury study on explaining traumatic brain injury to the community

Help to Explain Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) To The Community

Adults with TBI and their friends and/or family members who are 13 yrs. and older are needed to participate in a one-hour group discussion.

The program out of Baylor College of Medicine wants to help communities know more about TBI. They are looking for children who have parents with TBI.  The child needs to be between the ages of 13 and 18 years.

They are developing educational materials and you can help them with ideas about what helped you after your injury or the injury of your family member
or friend.  You will receive $20 for your face-to-face or telephone participation.

For additional information, or if you wish to be a part of the group discussion, contact:  Terri Hudler-Hull

Memory Enhancement

I came across an interesting web site today on memory enhancement written by a neurologist, Dr. Kaplan (no relation, in fact he even spells his name differently than mine).  For those with school age kids, it even has some useful tricks for improving test performance.  The site can reviewed by clicking here.

International Brain Injury Association Newsletter

The latest issue of the International Brain Injury Association (IBIA) newsletter is now available on line. This issue contains some interesting articles on Progesterone in the Experimental Treatment of Brain Injury: Predictive Criteria for Successful Rehabilitation After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury;  Neuropsychological Assessment of Patients With Low Educational Level and Information on the International Consensus Conference on Impairments of Consciousness Sponsored by Northeast Center for Special Care which I was invited to participate in.  You can read the International Brain Injury Association newsletter by clicking here.

Founded in 1993, the International Brain Injury Association was created in response to the growing demand from professionals and advocates throughout the world for collaboration and more information on all aspects of brain injury, from prevention to long-term care issues.  They put on an interesting annual meeting and a very good journal which comes with your membership as well as access to their list serve. In their latest newsletter there is a pdf link for a membership application. 

Father of Neuropsychology

Thanks to Mind Hacks for posting on a new site hosted by the The University of California, San Diego who have created an extensive on line archive of material related to the pioneering Russian neuropsychologist A.R. Luria, who is often considered the 'father' of the modern neuropsychology.

Luria was a pioneer in developing neuropsychological tests to pinpoint deficits in specific areas of the brain.  His original work forms the basis for much of the neuropsychological testing utilized today.

The site contains both audio and video information about the life and work of Professor Luria as well as a biography and links to articles that describe his work.

For those interested in the field of neuropsychology, it is a must visit.

Updated TBI Waiver Provider Manual Now Available

The New York State Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver program, sponsored by the New York State Department of Health has just released its updated provider manual which can be accessed at the Health Department's web site. The route is a little tricky to access the pdf version of the manual.  Go to the health department web site and then click on Medicaid (under current issues in the left hand column), and then click on Reference Guides (also on left side).

For those unaware, New York State has a wonderful program that provides home based services for victims of traumatic brain injury (who are medicaid eligible) to allow for their integration back into the community as opposed to having to spend their life confined to a nursing home or other related facility.  For details can be reviewed in this manual as well. 

Brain Tissue Oxygen Monitoring

An interesting article describing the potential application of brain tissue oxygen monitoring technology in the care of patients who have sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI) or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has been published in this month's Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America (June 2006). The article presents a review of the intracranial dynamics that are created by primary and secondary brain injury, and the challenges of optimizing oxygen delivery to the injured brain.

Brain Facts: Free Book About The Brain

  You can now download a pdf version of "Brain Facts", a primer on the brain and nervous system published by the American Society of Neuroscience.

The publication has loads of great diagrams of the brain and nervous system and is well written.  It provides good descriptions of the various areas of the brain and their function.

The book is downloadable thanks to geekland.  Click here to download it.

Information on Special Needs (Supplemental Needs) Trusts

Lawyers who handle cases involving brain damage, brain injury or head injury must be familiar with special needs trusts. These trusts are established to provide the means to protect an individual's entitlement to government benefits such as medicaid after the brain injury case is settled. 

If proper steps are not taken to shield the brain injured person's settlement funds, they may be considered to be ineligible for medicaid because they have to much income or resources to qualify.

I just came across a new book: The Special Needs Trust Administration Manual: A Guide for Trustees which contains lots of useful information both for brain damage lawyers and for family members who handle the trusts on a day to day basis.

The Manual is a practical reference source that answers common questions such as:

• What are my responsibilities to the disabled beneficiary?   Can I spend money for a car, trip, or gift?
• Can I buy a house or condominium, and if so, who should own the property? 
• What expenses can I safely pay without risking SSI benefits? 
• How do I open a bank account?   
• Does the trust need its own taxpayer identification number?   
• What happens