Awareness Of Traumatic Brain Injury Research Articles

Traumatic Brain Injury and Its Neuropsychiatric Sequelae in War Veterans

The post-September 11, 2001 wars in and around Afghanistan and Iraq have increased awareness of traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly blast-induced mild TBI. This article provides an overview of TBI and its neuropsychiatric sequelae in U.S. war veterans who participated in the current operations in and around Afghanistan and Iraq, with particular emphasis on blast-related mild TBI. Psychiatric disorders, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder, pain, and sensory impairments are prevalent in war veterans with TBI. Research is needed to more definitively characterize the epidemiology of TBI-related functional difficulties, the effects of blasts compared with other mechanisms of injury, recovery trajectories, and treatment outcomes in this population.

The new neuroscience frontier: Promoting neuroplasticity and brain repair in Traumatic Brain Injury

Increased awareness of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the military, a persistent call for evidence-based treatment, and recent government funding have revealed new research opportunities in neuroscience. This paper describes a relatively new frontier for research: that of the facilitation or enhancement of neuroplasticity and brain repair in TBI using novel treatment protocols. Such protocols, algorithmically introduced, may be tailored to the individual through the matching of neuromarkers with specific interventions. Examples of neuromarkers and interventions employed for the purpose of neuromodulation are reported. Problems with lack of controlled studies and inferring causation in correlational research are noted. Healthy skepticism and open-minded creativity are needed so that we can think in unorthodox ways, create partnerships, harness available knowledge and expertise, and ultimately develop effective treatments.

Improving Inpatient and Follow-Up TBI Services

Improving Inpatient and Follow-Up TBI Services

Traumatic brain injury in Finland 1991–2005: A nationwide register study of hospitalized and fatal TBI

Primary objective: To examine the epidemiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Finland in 1991–2005.Research design: Nationwide population based data of hospitalized and fatal TBI collected from the national registers of Finland. The incidence, age and gender distribution, aetiology, external causes, cursory outcome and mortality are presented.Methods and procedures: The data were collected from the National Hospital Discharge Register of Finland and from the official cause-of-death register of Statistics Finland.Main outcome and results: The average incidence of hospitalized TBI was 101/100 000 population and the mortality rate 18.1/100 000. The incidence increased by 59.4% in the patients aged 70 years or older while the incidence decreased by 2.4% in the younger age groups. The mortality rate decreased in men. The most common external causes were falls. The oldest patients needed 6.8-times longer stay in the hospital than the youngest. After discharge 54% of the patients needed at least occasional care.Conclusions: TBI prevention should be focused to the main groups at risk. The need for further care, rehabilitation and increasing the awareness of TBI is obvious.

Traumatic brain injury occurring at work

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurring in the workplace carries major economic repercussions such as lost wages and hospital costs. Little is known about the profile of risk factors for work-related traumatic brain injury. This study describes the pre-injury demographic characteristics, injury-related characteristics and outcomes of work-related TBI and compares them with those of non work-related TBI. This study aims to provide profiles of work-related TBI to improve our understanding and awareness of TBI in the workplace and to better inform prevention efforts. Cross-sectional study using the Comprehensive Data Set (CDS) of Ontario (Canada) Trauma Registry (OTR) from 1993 to 2001. Cases with the ICD-9-CM codes for head injury were included in the database of serious injuries from lead trauma hospitals. The study identified 950 (7.3%) people with work-related TBI. Pre-injury demographics and injury-related characteristics of work-related TBI were significantly different from non work-related TBI such as age, gender, mechanisms of injury, Injury Severity Score, length of stay and in-hospital death. This research provides the first comprehensive overview of work-related TBI based on Canadian data. It identifies high risk profiles to better target prevention.

Are Brain-Injured Vets Getting Adequate Care?

Are Brain-Injured Vets Getting Adequate Care?

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury

Head Injury May Tip Schizophrenia Scales

Head Injury May Tip Schizophrenia Scales