Brain Injury Lawyer - New York

North American Brain Injury Society call for abstracts

The North American Brain Injury Society's, 11th Annual Conference on Brain Injury is scheduled to be held at the InterContinental Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana from September 18-21, 2013.

The brain injury society has issued a call for abstracts for presentation at the annual meeting.

Accepted abstracts will be published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation.

The abstract submission deadline: May 22, 2013.

Awards will be given to the top abstracts in each of the following categories:

Basic research, animal
Basic research, human
Case report
Clinical research, acute and sub-acute rehabilitation 
Clinical research, acute care 
Clinical research, post-acute care
Descriptive model  Prevention 
Translational science

To submit your abstract, click here

 

 

Webinar: Supporting Students Returning to the Classroom Post-Concussion

The Brain Injury Association of New York State is offering a free webinar: Return to Learn: Supporting Students Returning to the Classroom Post-Concussion.

Time and date: Wednesday, March 27, 2013, 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm (EST)

Overview: This webinar covers the "return-to-learn" process after concussion. Dr. Brian Rieger will discuss the challenges faced by students returning to the classroom after mild traumatic brain injury, especially in cases of complicated or prolonged recovery. He will also review the various academic accommodations that can be implemented to assist these students.

Dr. Rieger is Chief Rehabilitation Psychologist and director of the Upstate Concussion Center at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. He is a member of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYPHSAA) Concussion Management Team and is the Psychology Liaison to the NYSPHSAA Safety Committee. For more information, please click here

American Academy of Neurology issues important updated sports concussion management guidelines

The American Academy of Neurology has issued important revisions to its guidelines for sports concussions in the Journal Neurology.

 

The academy has attempted to answer the following questions:

 

1. For athletes, what factors increase or decrease concussion risk?

2a. For athletes suspected of having sustained concussion, what diagnostic tools are useful in identifying those with concussion?

2b. For athletes suspected of having sustained concussion, what diagnostic tools are useful in identifying those at increased risk for severe or prolonged early impairments, neurologic catastrophe, or chronic neurobehavioral
impairment?

3. For athletes with concussion, what clinical factors are useful in identifying those at increased risk for severe or prolonged early post- concussion impairments, neurologic catastrophe, recurrent concussions, or
chronic neurobehavioral impairment?

4. For athletes with concussion, what interventions enhance recovery, reduce the risk of recurrent concussion, or diminish long-term sequelae?

Here is the summary of their results:

“Specific risk factors can increase or decrease concussion risk. Diagnostic tools to help identify individuals with concussion include graded symptom checklists, the Standardized Assessment of Concussion, neuropsychological assessments, and the Balance Error Scoring System. Ongoing clinical symptoms, concussion history, and younger age identify those at risk for post-concussion impairments.  Risk factors for recurrent concussion include history of multiple concussions, particularly within 10 days after initial concussion. Risk factors for chronic neurobehavioral impairment include concussion exposure and APOE e4 genotype. Data are insufficient to show that any intervention enhances recovery or diminishes long-term  sequelae post-concussion.”

 The bottom line?  All concussions are different and each player suspected of having a concussion needs to be
individually evaluated with a combination of resources including neuropsychological assessment and medical evaluation.  Concussions are serious injuries and when in doubt, keep them out!

Important updates from the Brain Injury Associaton of America

Here is the latest legislative update from the Brain Injury Associaton of America:

TBI Act Reauthorization 2013

 

On Wednesday, March 13, 2013, the TBI Act, H.R. 1098, was introduced by Reps. Pascrell and Rooney, co-chairs of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force.

This bill will reauthorize the current programs relating to TBI and also will move the state grant and protection and advocacy grant programs from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau to another agency with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The move acknowledges the impact of TBI across the age span, including older adults and returning service members/veterans. The Congressional Brain Injury Task Force recommends relocating the program to better coordinate with federal agencies regarding long-term services and
supports available to individuals with other disabilities, particularly the long-term services and supports provision of the Affordable Care Act. BIAA thanks Reps. Pascrell and Rooney for introducing this important legislation.
Please call your Member of Congress and ask them to co-sponsor H.R. 1098 today!

 

Brain Injury Awareness Day 2013

 

A big thank you to everyone who participated in brain injury awareness day on Capitol Hill!!! BIAA appreciates all the advocates who traveled to Washington on March 13 to educate Congress on the resources needed for individuals with brain injury and their families. BIAA would like to thank the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, especially Reps. Pascrell and Rooney, for planning a successful event. Also, BIAA thanks all of the advocates who contacted their congressional representatives to inform them March 13 was Brain Injury
Awareness Day on Capitol Hill and encouraged them to attend the day's events.

 

The exhibit fair and briefing were both very well-attended, with standing room only. During the afternoon reception, Rep. Pascrell touched all of our hearts when he presented the Purple Heart medal to a solider that sustained TBI's in Iraq and Afghanistan. The solider had given Rep. Pascrell his medal for all the work the Congressman has done on behalf of individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury.

 

Brain Injury Policy Meeting

 

On Thursday, March 14, 2013, the Brain Injury Association of America hosted a policy strategy meeting to discuss where the brain injury community can speak with one voice. Participants at the meeting included American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Association of State Head Injury Administrators, North American Brain Injury Society, Sarah Jane Brain Foundation, TBI Model Systems Project Directors and the United States Brain Injury Alliance. BIAA thanks the organizations for attending and looks forward to future collaborations.

Brain Injury in the Community

The sixth annual Brain Injury in the Community program sponsored by the Brain Injury Association of New York State features a presentation by Susan H. Connors, President/CEO of the Brain Injury Association of America.

Ms. Connors and other speakers including experts in brain injury rehabilitation will showcase the issues that confront individuals with brain injury and their families across the lifespan.

The program is designed to provide vital information and share concrete strategies for families and professionals supporting individuals with brain injury.

Brain Injury in the Community is a great educational opportunity for individuals with brain injury, family members, community members, discharge planners, nurses, allied health care professionals, social workers and families.

The program in New York City is scheduled for Thursday, April 18 from 8:30am - 1:00pm at OPWDD First Floor Auditorium, 75 Morton Street, New York, NY

For further information, click here.

New research to develop novel traumatic brain injury imaging technology

Traumatic brain injury research received an important boost this week as a result of a $60 million joint initiative between the National Football League (NFL) and General Electric (GE) whose aim is to develop novel imaging technology and other tech-based approaches to aid in the prevention, detection and management of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussions.

The theme of a video shown at a joint news conference was “the better we understand the brain, the better we can protect it”.

Hopefully the research that is developed will enable scientists to better understand the effects of trauma on the brain and brain functioning.

According to NFL Commissioner, Goodell, the primary aim of the initiative is “better diagnosis, treatment and prevention of brain injury”. He admitted that “there is a lot more to do” and that any way to “speed up” the process to “develop new technology to better protect the brain” would be in the best interests of all players– but also younger players in high school, college and those much younger”.

The project will proceed in two parts. The first part will involve a $40 million research project led by GE to better diagnose mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), and to predict the outcomes over time. The second phase will focus on materials and structural design of equipment (helmets) to protect the brain from impacts.

Brain injury in the military

The latest version of BrainLine Military News, March 2013 is now available to view on line.  Brainline Military is a service of BrainLine  BrainLine Military is a service of WETA, the flagship public television and radio station in the nation's capital.

Here are some highlights from the March issue:

What Saved Former Marine Matt Brown from Suicide?

Former Marine Matt Brown, who has combat-related TBI and PTSD, was dangerously suicidal and he would never "sugarcoat" that fact. It was finding his voice to help others that saved him. It was also his wonderfully wicked sense of humor. Watch BrainLine’s video, “What Saved Former Marine Matt Brown from Suicide?” and hear Matt describe how his life has changed for the better.

Watch "What Saved Former Marine Matt Brown from Suicide?"

Watch "Matt Brown: Becoming a New Person After TBI and PTSD"

Watch "Matt Brown: Strategies, Patterns, and Routine Are Key"  

Who Are the Faces of TBI Research?

As a researcher and clinician, Geoffrey Ling, PhD, MD, Col. (Ret.) knows that research for traumatic brain injury needs to be fast and efficient because patients are waiting now! Program manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Dr. Ling says, “Seeing patients … working with them daily is very grounding. It reminds me who needs this care …” Hear more, watch BrainLine’s interview with Dr. Ling, “The ‘Faces’ of TBI.”

Broken Brains

Because of a devastating helicopter crash, Special Forces medic Karl Holt’s war in Afghanistan had ended. But a new battle had just begun. It was one that would rage long after his ruptures, fractures, broken bones, and dislocations had healed. Holt lost consciousness on the helicopter, the result of a traumatic brain injury that went untreated for nearly two years. It transformed Holt from a soldier who kicked in doors in Afghanistan to a man who had to put sticky notes on the door of his North Carolina home reminding him to lock it before leaving. Read WORLD magazine’s article, “Broken Brains,” to learn how Holt is rebuilding his life.

For more information about TBI and the military visit  BrainLineMilitary

Brain Injury Association of New York State, 20th annual art exhibiton-call for artists

Be a part of the 20th Annual Art Exhibit sponsored by the Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS)

BIANYS has issued a call for New York State artists for the 20th Annual BIANYS Art Exhibit.

This year, the show will take place in Albany from April 8-12, 2013. The exhibit consists of artwork in many different mediums from artists in New York State who have sustained a brain injury.

Interested artists are encouraged to submit their work. If you have any questions about the Exhibit, you can contact Vicki Clingan at (518) 459-7911.

Seeking Comments on the Pediatric Mild TBI Guideline Protocol

Between March 7 and April 7, the Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Guideline Workgroup is seeking public comment on a guideline protocol on diagnosing and treating pediatric mild TBI (among patients age 18 and under).

Comprised of leading experts in the field of TBI, CDC Injury Center’s Board of Scientific Counselors established the Pediatric Mild TBI Guideline Workgroup to create a clinical guideline for health care professionals working in the acute care and primary care setting.

The Workgroup is using the American Academy of Neurology’s (AAN) guideline development process to develop a multidisciplinary, evidence-based guideline. You can access the guideline protocol for review and comment   by clicking here 

Public comment on the guideline protocol is one of the first steps in the evidence-based clinical guideline development process. To learn more about the Pediatric Mild TBI Guideline Workgroup and next steps for the project, click here 

National Brain Injury Survey from Sarah Jane Brain Foundation

The Sarah Jane Brain Foundation (SJBF) and CE Outcomes have announced a national survey to identify gaps in services and research dealing with brain injury.

This is a joint effort during Brain Injury Awareness Month to understand the current state of brain injury across the country and across two different clinical populations (youth/developing brain and adult/developed brain).

The survey will investigate the differences in services between “Mild” TBI/concussions and moderate to severe brain injury. In addition, the assessment will analyze across the continuum of care from prevention to acute care/rehabilitation services to reintegration/long-term care. The online survey is being hosted by CE Outcomes and can be accessed by clicking here.

“This survey will include physicians, psychologists, educators, allied health professionals, and most importantly families and brain injury survivors across this country,” said Dr. Ron Savage, President of SJBF and author of the survey. “We will have data from thousands of voices to better understand the gaps in services that impact the lives of millions of people. Those voices will be heard.”