Refractory Epilepsy Seminar in New York City
The New York University Comprehensive Epilepsy foundation FACES (Finding A Cure For Epilepsy) has announced that registration is now open for the final Evening Lecture which will be held on Monday, June 16, 2008.
Dr. Lara Marcuse will speak on the topic of "Refractory Epilepsy”. REGISTER by clicking here.
A webcast is now available for the FACES April 28th Evening Lecture "Side Effects of Anti Epileptic Drugs" presented by Dr. Jacqueline French. Click here to view this lecture.
May 13, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Brain Injury Legislative Update
The following is the Legislative Update supplied by the Brain Injury Association of America for this week:
Dear Advocates:
Two weeks remain until Congress leaves for Memorial Day recess, and legislative activity is expected to center on efforts to pass a war supplemental spending bill as well as potentially achieving progress on a fiscal 2009 budget conference report.
Several events and developments related to traumatic brain injury took place this week in our nation’s capital.
On Tuesday, the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the issue of competitive bidding of durable medical equipment under the Medicare Fee-For-Service program. As a member of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), BIAA signed on to several letters urging Congress to ensure that the Medicare competitive bidding program does not decrease access to and the quality of assistive devices.
Also this week, Democrats included legislation which would place a moratorium until March 2009 on several harmful Medicaid regulations (H.R. 5613), in the FY 2008 war supplemental appropriations bill. BIAA continues to strongly endorse H.R. 5613 and supports efforts to keep the bill in the war supplemental legislation as it moves towards final passage, expected within the next two weeks.
In addition, BIAA Government Affairs Associate Robert Demichelis attended “Brain Pacemakers: A Promising Approach and a New Era of Hope for Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders,” a symposium on deep brain stimulation sponsored by The Office on Disability, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Cleveland Clinic Center for Neurological Restoration.
As a final note, BIAA continues to wait to see if Congress will be able to agree on a budget this year before sending out its Legislative Action Alert on FY 2009 TBI Appropriations. In the meantime, BIAA has signed on to a coalition letter urging Appropriations Committee Chairs in both chambers to allocate an additional $15 billion over last year’s funding levels for the Labor-HHS-Education Subcommittees.
May 11, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Epilepsy Summer Camp Scholarships
FACES (Finding a Cure For Epilepsy), sponsored by the NYU Compehensive Epilepsy Department, is once again offering children affected by epilepsy the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful summer camp experience.
Families with a demonstrated financial need can visit the Faces website and apply for a select number of scholarships towards tuition at camps around the country. The list of approved summer camps can be found on the Summer Camps page of the FACES website . You can complete the summer camp scholarship application that can be found on this page and submit it to the faces office.
All applications must be received by June 1, 2008 for consideration. If you have any questions, you can send an e-mail
May 10, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Traumatic Brain Injury TBI in Iraq War Veterans Explored by MIT's Technology Review Magazine
Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, has been labeled the signature injury of the Iraq War. Estimates of the number of soldiers who have experienced concussions while deployed range as high as 20 percent. The long-term implications of TBI are unclear, and no treatments exist to cure long-lasting symptoms.
The cover story of the May issue of MIT's Technology Review magazine explores the symptoms of TBI in Iraq veterans through first-person interviews, and it examines new technology being developed to better explain the changes that occur in the brain from explosive shock waves.
The article entitled "Brain Trauma in Iraq," looks at new methods to study the effects of TBI.
Accompanying the cover story online is a documentary-style video that includes interviews with all three research scientists, as well as soldiers suffering from TBI. They can be found by clicking here.
May 9, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Brain Injury In the Elderly
Of the 1.4 million Americans who receive a traumatic brain injury each year, the hospitalization and death rate is highest for individuals over the age of 75 with injuries stemming primarily from falls and automobile accidents, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.
On May 14-16, renowned brain experts will gather at Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas to discuss ways to treat and rehabilitate elderly men and women with traumatic brain injuries.
The Galveston Brain Injury Conference is an invitational event sponsored by the Center for Rehabilitation Sciences and the School of Allied Health Sciences at the University of Texas Medical Branch in collaboration with the Transitional Learning Center at Galveston which provides rehabilitation for those who have suffered an acute brain injury
May 8, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Frustrations of a Brain Injury Survivor
Victims of brain trauma face constant frustration with the accommodations that are made available to them. Frustration abounds because assistance for brain injured individuals is not supplying a wheel chair, crutches or other means of physical assistance.
Dan Windheim, a brain injury survivor has written a poem describing the frustration that he has faced in the many years since suffering a traumatic brain injury. It is a forceful message for all to read:
IS THE ADA FOR ME? by Dan Windheim
It works for many, but not me.
Anger, frustration,disillusionment, more anger
Misunderstanding? My understanding-
Assist me in attaining employment; level the playing field so to speak.
A reasonable accommodation they say; but who is they, and can I be accommodated?
A ramp, an elevator, an accessible bathroom, helpful to many;
but not me.
Disinhibition, short term memory loss, poor reasoning skills.
Burden to many; to me too.
A long 20 years; many opportunities, many interviews, many rejections.
Misunderstood,cheated, misjudged,; a firestorm of emotion
Searched here, searched there, just searching. Only searching.
A void in my life; an emptiness, a nothingness (a feeling not a word)
Where do I go, what do I do? Does anyone have the answer;
is there an answer?
So I continue to move, go on with my life; talking and writing,
and waiting.
May 5, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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.
May 4, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Army Vets Not Receiving Adequate Care According to Audit of Veteran's Affairs
The Associated Press reports that a report of the VA's inspector general found that many Iraq war veterans with traumatic brain injury are not getting adequate health care and job assistance for their long-term recovery despite years of government pledges to do so.
The VA Inspector General reports that "Significant needs remain unmet," In one out of four patients, the the study reports that those suffering from traumatic brain damage were not receivign needed help for health care, vocational rehabilitation, family support or housing. Some patients specifically cited trouble in getting primary or specialty eye care, while others reported gaps with family counseling for problems such as depression and anger.
"We continue to be concerned that all veterans discharged after inpatient rehabilitation for TBI receive case management, unless this has been explicitly denied by the patient," investigators stated, adding that they will continue monitoring the VA to ensure Iraq war veterans are receiving the care they need.
The failure to provide these brain injured veterans with necessary services is a national disgrace! It is hard to believe that even after all of this publicity and all of the promises by the VA, these veterans are still being deprived of necessary services.
May 3, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Brain Injury Association of America: Legislative Update
The Brain Injury Association of America has requested that I post the following summary of this week's legislative activity.
This week marked a major legislative victory for the brain injury community, as President Bush officially signed into law legislation reauthorizing the TBI Act (S. 793) on Monday, April 28! Congratulations to all BIAA state affiliates, advocates, and national stakeholders who helped make TBI Act reauthorization a reality. To view a copy of BIAA’s official press release applauding this major accomplishment, please visit the brain injury association of america web site.
In other exciting news, BIAA proudly endorsed The Caring for Wounded Warriors Act of 2008 (S. 2921), legislation introduced on Monday, April 28 by Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton which would increase support for family caregivers of servicemembers with TBI. Several recommendations made by BIAA during the legislative drafting process were incorporated into the bill. A copy of BIAA’s Letter of Endorsement for S. 2921 will be available shortly on the brain injury association web site.
Also this week, a report was released by the Department of Veterans Affairs Inspector General which found that the VA is not providing the necessary standard of support and long-term follow-up assistance needed by veterans with TBI and their families.
In addition, after the House of Representatives passed by a veto-proof margin last week important legislation which would place a moratorium until March 2009 on several harmful Medicaid regulations (H.R. 5613), the fate of the bill was left up to the Senate. Earlier this week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) attempted to bring the bill up on the Unanimous Consent Calendar, but this attempt was blocked by Senator Coburn (R-OK). Now there is an effort to get the bill included in the FY 2008 Supplemental Appropriations bill. BIAA continues to strongly endorse H.R. 5613 and supports efforts to include the bill in the FY 2008 Supplemental Appropriations bill.
As a final note, BIAA is waiting to see if Congress will be able to establish a budget this year before sending out its Legislative Action Alert on FY 2009 TBI Appropriations. There is speculation that Congress may indeed be able to achieve a budget agreement in the upcoming next few weeks, and BIAA’s Appropriations Action Alert will be sent out shortly thereafter.
May 2, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
New York Attorney, Michael Kaplen Elected to Board of Directors of Prestigious New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers
I am pleased to report that I have been elected to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the prestigious New York Academy of Trial Lawyers.
The Academy is a statewide association made up of the leading trial attorneys in New York State dedicated to preserving and improving the civil justice system. Through grass roots efforts, legislative action and professional development it promotes the highest ethical standards of our profession and strives to improve the quality of legal representation in New York State.
It is with great honor that I join the board of this association and work to further their mission. A swearing in ceremony will take place next Monday in Albany, New York presided over by our attorney general, Andrew Cuomo.
April 29, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Traumatic Brain Injury Act Signed into Law
Late Monday, the President signed the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Act into Law.
S. 793, the "Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2008," authorizes appropriations and makes changes to the Department of Health and Human Services programs that provide grants for State programs for: tracking and reporting of brain injuries; and brain injury rehabilitation.
Our thanks should be extended to all those who have worked so hard to see that this act was reauthorized, especially to our national organization, the Brain Injury Association of America whose leadership spearheaded efforts to get the act passed and to U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-), the Co-Chairman of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force who was the prime sponsor of this legislation.
Here are some comments from Rep. Pascrell: “After two years of fighting to reauthorize the TBI Act, I am pleased that the President has joined me to approve an extension of federal services and care for brain injury victims”. “With thousands of brain injury survivors returning from military service and 5.3 million Americans suffering from TBI here at home, it is more critical than ever for the federal government to prioritize brain injury prevention and rehabilitation.”
T
April 29, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
19 % of Returning Iraq Service Members Suffer From Traumatic Brain Injury New Study Reports
A new study by the RAND Corporation reports that 19 percent of returning service members report that they have experienced a possible traumatic brain injury and nearly 20 percent of military service members who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan — 300,000 in all — report symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder or major depression. 7 percent reporting both a probable brain injury and current PTSD or major depression.
The RAND study estimates that about 320,000 service members may have experienced a traumatic brain injury during deployment. The brain injuries span the spectrum form concussions to severe penetrating head injuries. But, just 43 percent reported ever being evaluated by a physician for head trauma or brain injury.
Unfortunaely many service members said they do not seek treatment because they fear it will harm their careers.
"There is a major health crisis facing those men and women who have served our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Terri Tanielian, the project's co-leader and a researcher at RAND, a nonprofit research organization. "Unless they receive appropriate and effective care for these mental health conditions, there will be long-term consequences for them and for the nation. Unfortunately, we found there are many barriers preventing them from getting the high-quality treatment they need."
The findings are from the first large-scale, nongovernmental assessment of the psychological and cognitive needs of military service members who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past six years. The RAND study is the first to comprehensively assess the current needs of returned service members from all branches of the military.
Researchers concluded that a major national effort is needed to expand and improve the capacity of the mental health system to provide effective care to service members and veterans. The effort must include the military, veteran and civilian health care systems, and should focus on training more providers to use high-quality, evidence-based treatment methods and encouraging service members and veterans to seek needed care.
The Rand Report suggests that thehe Department of Defense's newly created Defense Center for Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury may provide a historic opportunity to change the culture of psychological health within the military and to promote and monitor the use of high-quality care to service members. The RAND report provides information that the center could use to pursue these objectives through the use of innovative care models and performance measurement techniques.
One-year estimates of the societal cost associated with treated cases of mild traumatic brain injury range up to $32,000 per case, while estimates for treated moderate to severe cases range from $268,000 to more than $408,000. Estimates of the total one-year societal cost of the roughly 2,700 cases of traumatic brain injury identified to date range from $591 million to $910 million.
The report is titled "Invisible Wounds of War: Psychological and Cognitive Injuries, Their Consequences, and Services to Assist Recovery." The full report and several summaries are available by clicking here.
April 28, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Epilepsy Seminars in New York City
Epilepsy and seizure disorders frequently develop as a result of a traumatic brain injury or a traumatic head injury. These disorders may develop in the days, weeks or even in the first year following a head or brain injury.
New York University's Department of Epilepsy continues its "EVENING EPILEPSY LECTURE SERIES". They have requested that I post information concerning their upcoming epilepsy programs.
Monday, April 28th – Dr. Jacqueline French “Side Effects of Anti Epileptic Drugs”
REGISTER NOW!
Monday, May 12th – Dr. Siddartha Nadkarni “Cognitive and Behavioral Problems in Epilepsy”
REGISTER NOW!
All seminars are held at NYU Medical Center 550 First Avenue, New York, Smilow 1st floor seminar Room at 6:00-7:00pm
April 27, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Brain Injury Legislative Update
The following information has been posted at the request of the Brain Injury Association of America:
Dear Advocates:
After legislation to reauthorize the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Act successfully passed Congress on April 10, the bill still needs to be considered by the President for his signature into law. BIAA anticipates this consideration will occur within the next week, and is closely monitoring the situation.
This week the House of Representatives passed by a veto-proof margin H.R. 5613, important legislation which would place a moratorium until March 2009 on seven harmful Medicaid regulations issued by the Department of Health and Human Services. BIAA issued a Legislative Action Alert earlier this week before the vote encouraging advocates to urge their Representative to vote YES on the bill. The fate of the bill is now up to the Senate.
Also this week, BIAA submitted written testimony to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee in charge of funding TBI programs within the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education. BIAA’s testimony urges an increase in funding in Fiscal Year 2009 for programs authorized through the TBI Act, as well as TBI research programs conducted within the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR).
In addition, a representative of BIAA was invited to attend an event hosted by President George W. Bush on Thursday, April 24, at the White House. The inspiring event honored a group of wounded warriors as they kicked off the Wounded Warrior Project’s second annual “Soldier Ride: White House to Light House Challenge.”
And lastly, BIAA was proud to sign on as a supporter of the National Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Week Resolution (S. Res. 518), which passed the Senate on Monday. The Resolution, introduced by Senator Dodd (D-CT), dedicates this week (the week of April 21st through 25th) to raise awareness of Shaken Baby Syndrome and to ultimately eliminate its occurrence.
April 26, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
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.
April 20, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Brain Injury Federal Legislative Update
The Brain Injury Association of America has requested that I circulate the following legislative update concerning brain injury legislation and other important brain injury related matters occuring on capital hill this week:
Dear Advocates:
After legislation to reauthorize the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Act successfully passed Congress last week, the bill still needs to be considered by the President for his signature into law. BIAA anticipates this consideration will occur in the very near future.
This week saw major activity occur on H.R. 5613, legislation recently introduced which would place a moratorium until March 2009 on seven Medicaid regulations issued by the Department of Health and Human Services. On Wednesday, the bill was unanimously approved by the full House Energy and Commerce Committee, setting up a potential veto showdown with the White House. BIAA has strongly endorsed this legislation and submitted an official letter of endorsement to the bill’s sponsors, Rep. Dingell (D-MI) and Rep. Murphy (R-PA), last week.
Also this week, The Rand Corporation published an important comprehensive study of the mental health and cognitive needs of U.S. servicemembers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. This groundbreaking study - which focuses specifically on the post-deployment health-related needs and economic costs associated with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression and TBI - estimates that 320,000 servicemembers may have experienced TBI as a result of recent combat operations.
April 18, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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.
April 15, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Wrestling Association to Institute Concussion Management and Awarness Program
I just received word from my friend, former WWE star Chris Nowinski and the Sports Legacy Institute the the Wrestling Association is about to institute a concussion management and concussion awareness program.
At a mandatory meeting for all performers in early March WWE performers took a computerized neuropsychological testing protocol, which evaluates such things as memory, cognitive skills, and reaction time. They will be re-tested aggressively every 6 months to look for long term issues, as well as re-tested after suspected concussions to help determine when it is safe to return to in-ring action.
Chris and the Sports Legacy Institute he founded have been instrumental in changing the attitudes of professional and amateur athletic teams about the importance of concussion awareness and proper concussion management. They should be congratulated for their hard work. Similarly, congratulations to WWE for taking a proactive step in protecting the health of their athletes.
April 14, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Brain Injury Association of New Jersey Announces Annual Conference
The Brain Injury Association of New Jersey will be holding its annual conference on May 14 and May 15, 2008 at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center in Eatontown, NJ.
The two day event is entitled, Brain Injury--Reconnecting Mind and Body. The brain injury association states that the objective of this conference is to provide current information on brain injury recovery, specific to rehabilitation, research and therapies. The full conference program and registration information can be viewed by clicking here.
April 13, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Shaken Bay Syndrome: Findings of International Symposium
Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), also known as childhood neurotrauma or inflicted traumatic brain injury, is the leading cause of death from childhood maltreatment.
An international symposium sponsored by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome examined how to establish the incidence of inflicted traumatic brain injury in young children and explored issues of definitions, passive versus active surveillance, study designs, proxy measures, statistical issues and prevention. Key findings are published in a Special Supplement to the April 2008 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
The mortality rate of victims of this intentional brain injury is about 25%, while survivors do very poorly. In a recent Canadian study, investigators found that after 10 years only 7% of the survivors were reported as "normal," 12% were in a coma or vegetative state, 60% had a moderate or greater degree of disability and 85% would require ongoing multidisciplinary care for the rest of their lives.
Presentations addressed two main themes: (1) the adequacy of current and/or projected systems for measuring the incidence of shaken baby syndrome; and (2) a review of available strategies for evaluating the effectiveness of primary programs for its prevention in large jurisdictions.
Writing in the supplement, Guest Editors Ronald G. Barr, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, and Child & Family Research Institute, and Desmond K. Runyan, The University of North Caroline, Chapel Hill, state, "...it is apparent that there is a 'bad news/good news' storyline emerging here. While the challenges to measuring inflicted injury are real and considerable, it is equally clear that considerable progress has been made and that reliable and valid measurement appears feasible and obtainable. Substantive work continues to be done toward providing reasonable measures that will be informative both about the nature and scope of inflicted neurotrauma in infants and about the possibility that prevention programs will be able to be demonstrated to be effective (or not) on the basis of empiric measurements. It is none too soon."
These articles appear in a Special Supplement to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Volume 34, Issue 4 (April 2008), Supplement 1, published by Elsevier.
April 12, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Senate and House Pass Traumatic Brain Injury Act
In some great news, the Senate today jointed the House of Representatives and passed legislation to reauthorize the Traumatic Brain Injury Act (S. 793). The vote in the House was 392-1. The bill now goes to the President for his signature.
The following message was released by the Brain Injury Association of America:
The bill authorizes ongoing CDC, NIH and HRSA TBI programs over the period of FY 2009 through FY 2012.
The bill also authorizes a new study by the CDC and the NIH in collaboration with the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to identify the incidence of brain injury among our nation’s veterans, especially veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. The purpose of this study is to ensure that national research takes veterans into account and that current information about diagnostic tools and treatments are shared between the civilian and military scientific communities.
Much thanks should go to the hard work of the Brain Injury Association of America in getting this vital legislation passed.
April 11, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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.
April 7, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Brain Injury Association of America Urgent Legislative Alert
The Brain Injury Association of America has just learned that the TBI Act Reauthorization bill is scheduled for consideration by the full House of Representatives on Tuesday, April 8, 2008.
The bill is due to be on the House floor Tuesday afternoon around 2:30pm under suspension of the rules, and will appear as S. 793 (the Senate number of the bill).
Urge your Representative to vote YES on S. 793, and reauthorize the TBI Act!!!
You can click here to contact your representative.
April 4, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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
April 1, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Side Effects of Epilepsy Drugs Lecture
The NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center continues its 2008 Evening Epilepsy Series with a lecture entitled "Side Effects of Anti Epileptic Drugs" on Monday April 28, 2008 at the NYU Medical Center, 550 First Avenue, New York, N.Y. Smilor 1st floor seminar room.
If you have any questions, you can E mail their FACES program. You can register for this epilepsy program by clicking here.
For more information about the connection between epilepsy and traumatic brain injury, visit the brain injury legal guide web site.
March 31, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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.
March 31, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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)
March 23, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
National Brain Injury Caregiver Conference Announced
A national brain injury caregiver conference has been announced by the Brain Injury Association of America to be held on June 6-8, 2008 at the Westin Dallas Forth Worth Airport Hotel in Dallas, Texas.
The conference is intended to focus on the needs of the caregiver of a person with a brain injury. Lee Woodruff and over 25 experts on all aspects of brain injury and caregiving are scheduled to attend this conference.
Some of the topics include:
- Get the right educational services
- Prepare for life transitions due to aging
- Navigate military and VA benefits systems
- Plan for housing and long-term services
- Stay informed about what's new in brain injury research
- Successfully manage stress and depression
- Take advantage of insurance and government benefits
You can get further information on this conference by clicking on this link:
Brain Injury Caregiver's Conference.
Request for assistance:
Your organization also has the oppurtunity to assist caregivers by providing scholarships to attendees of the conference by contributing to the 2008 National Brain Injury Caregivers' Conference Scholarship Fund.
Your contribution of $700.00 supports registration, lodging and/or transportation assistance for one caregiver, and you will be recognized as a scholarship sponsor at the conference and in pre-and post-meeting promotional activities. The Brain Injury Association of America welcomes donations of any amount to assist with the 2008 National Brain Injury Caregiver's Conference Scholarship Fund.
For more information please contact Jenny Toth at (703)761-0750 ext 621.
March 22, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Tinnitus Following A Brain Injury
Tinnitus, is the perception of sound in the ears or head where no external source is present. Some call it "ringing in the ears" or "head noise."
It is a frequent complaint following a traumatic brain injury and is difficult to documents. In almost all cases, tinnitus is a subjective noise, meaning that only the person who has tinnitus can hear it. People describe hearing different sounds: ringing, crickets, whooshing, pulsing, ocean waves, buzzing, dial tones, even music.
The America Tinnitus Association has a very informative CD titled Sounds of Tinnitus. It features actor Peter Graves – ATA member & honorary board member – and audiologist Donna Wayner, Ph.D. Track One includes a conversation that answers many questions about tinnitus. Track Two presents tinnitus-like sounds to help you demonstrate your condition to others. To purchase the CD, go here.
March 21, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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.
March 20, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
