BINA Stroke and Brain Injury Assistance hosted a fascinating and informative seminar, "Managing the Challenges of TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)", in conjunction with the world renowned Rusk Institute for Rehabilitation. Key topics on the program included diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of brain injury, as well as legal issues, affording a unique opportunity for both individuals who have suffered a brain injury and their loved ones to learn about the latest advances from leaders in the field.

The program was opened by Elchanan Schwarz, LMHC, BINA's Director of Crisis Intervention and Caregiver Support who noted that it was a great honor to welcome Rusk to Brooklyn for the evening and spoke warmly of the organization's longstanding relationship with Rusk and its expert medical and therapeutic team.  

The first speaker, Andrew Siegel, Esq. is a personal injury attorney with an expertise in TBI litigation. His informative presentation focused on the important role of a life care planner in ensuring that a TBI survivor receives all the necessary care for the best possible quality of life.  

The audience was then introduced to the keynote speaker, Dr. Steven Flanagan, a nationally and internationally recognized physiatrist (rehabilitation doctor) and expert on TBI and brain injury rehabilitation, and member of BINA's medical advisory board. A professor at NYU School of Medicine and Chairman of Rehabilitation Medicine and medical director of Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation, Dr. Flanagan is uniquely qualified to educate the public about issues related to the diagnosis and treatment of acquired brain injury.

In a detailed and comprehensive overview of the latest advances in the field, Dr. Flanagan first discussed imaging, which allows a view of microscopic aspects of the brain and gives critical information about its health and level of function, and the role and effectiveness of medications in the treatment of and recovery from brain injury.

Dr. Flanagan then spoke about cutting-edge devices, including of the robotic variety, that facilitate the recovery of function, such as weight supported treadmills for walking. However, he pointed out, nothing is more important than a good therapist; the most important equipment in the rehab gym, he said, is "good brains and good hands." Questions were then taken from the audience on a wide-ranging variety of topics.

Participants were intrigued by the clear yet exhaustive review of the complex subject matter and left with a newfound appreciation for the vast amount of research and resources available to survivors of brain injury and their families. 

Class Action Lawsuit Filed Over Concussions in High School Athletes  

The legal fight over head injuries in football has shifted focus to the high school arena. A former Illinois high school football player has filed a class-action lawsuit against the Illinois High School Association over concussions protocols and management.

Joseph Siprut, attorney for 29-year-old Daniel Bukal, also previously filed the class action against the NCAA regarding concussions. According to Siprut, the Illinois class action is the first ever against a state high school association.  

The goal of prior lawsuits seeking damages from the NCAA and NFL is to change how concussions are handled in college and professional football. But according to neurosurgeons, adolescent head injuries can be the most damaging, since they happen during a crucial developmental period. The ultimate goal, according to Siprut, is to make the game safer nationwide by suing every state high school athletic association in the country.   

The Illinois lawsuit claims that Bukal, who attended school in Illinois from 1999 to 2003, had many concussions during his high school career, but was never educated on the risks or effects. A decade later, he still suffers from migraines and memory loss, his lawsuit says.

The suit further alleges that the IHSA has failed young athletes because it "does not mandate specific guidelines or rules on managing student-athlete concussions and head injuries." There is also no baseline testing or medical staff with concussion training present at games.