Monthly Archives: April 2010
Functional imaging of carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning involves the colorless, odorless gas that comes from engine exhausts, furnaces, or other gas-powered equipment. People who survive carbon monoxide poisoning experience initial symptoms such as headache, nausea and confusion, but often patients will experience a carbon monoxide encephalopathy several days later. This results in a subtle, but often permanent, set of symptoms such as depression, cognitive deficits, or motor impairments.
Spinal cord injury trends in skimboarding
Skimboarding is a popular water sport that involves “skimming” a wave from shore to ocean. As it has become more competitive and extreme, the risk of injury has increased. Past medical research has shown an increase in fractures and sprains, but a recent study has shown that there is also a significant risk of spinal cord injury.
Hyperglycemia can indicate traumatic brain injury
The release of stress hormones (such as cortisol or norepinephrine) after a traumatic injury can induce stress hyperglycemia. Past research has shown that this state of elevated glucose has been related to increased medical complications and mortality rates.
Increased risk of mortality in severe traumatic brain injury with improper ventilation
Hyperventilation (with a mechanical ventilator or a manual bag valve mask, for instance) can be a life-saving treatment in the early stages of traumatic brain injury. Although hyperventilation can reduce intracranial pressure and reduce mortality rates, improper ventilation can lead to adverse outcomes.
A recent study considered the hyperventilation guidelines from the Brain Trauma Foundation and determined how much improper use could affect in-hospital mortality. They found the following:
Health Care Reform Becomes Law
On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590). One week later, he signed the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (H.R. 4972). Together, these laws represent the most sweeping health care reforms in U.S. history. The laws dramatically expand coverage and provide important consumer protections. They also expand Medicaid and make numerous Medicare payment and policy changes. Last, but not least, they invest billions of dollars in prevention and wellness programs, boost physician, nurse and direct care worker education, and significantly increase the government’s capacity to fight fraud and abuse.
Veterans Health Care Omnibus
On Thursday, April 22, 2010, the Senate cleared an omnibus veterans’ health care measure that provides important assistance to both veterans and caregivers. S. 1963, as modified by the House, includes nearly $1.6 billion in authorizations for programs designed to aid caregivers of eligible veterans.
The measure, which now goes to the White House for President Obama’s signature, is intended to strengthen the health care support system for veterans and to expand services in rural areas. The measure will also expand caregiver programs, making them eligible for training and education assistance.
The Weekly Flash
The Top Things State Affiliates Need To Know For the Week of April 26, 2010
Health Care Reform Laws Memo Reminder – Last week a key memo from Susan H. Connors, President/CEO, regarding health care reform laws was circulated to all Chartered State Affiliates. This memorandum describes the most important reforms for individuals with brain injury and explains the critical role played by the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) in the legislative process. A detailed analysis of H.R. 3590, as amended, is available from BIAA’s Web site at www.biausa.org. As a reminder, BIAA asks all Chartered State Affiliates to please circulate the full memo to your Board of Directors and to disseminate the information, in whole, or in part, to your members and advocates. A brief, one-page, bullet-point synopsis of the reform package is also available. The full memo and one-page brief can be located on and downloaded from the STARsite at www.brain-injury.org/communications.htm.
Veterans Health Care Omnibus
On Thursday, April 22, 2010, the Senate cleared an omnibus veterans’ health care measure that provides important assistance to both veterans and caregivers. S. 1963, as modified by the House, includes nearly $1.6 billion in authorizations for programs designed to aid caregivers of eligible veterans.
The measure, which now goes to the White House for President Obama’s signature, is intended to strengthen the health care support system for veterans and to expand services in rural areas. The measure will also expand caregiver programs, making them eligible for training and education assistance.
The bill also authorizes VA hospitals to contract with non-VA providers, as stated in the bill:
“The Secretary may contract with appropriate entities to provide specialized residential care and rehabilitation services to a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom who the Secretary determines suffers from a traumatic brain injury…”
Both BIAA and the Wounded Warrior Project have long advocated for approval of this measure and yesterday’s final passage signified a great victory for service members who suffer from TBI and their families.
Health Care Reform Update
After several weeks of delving into the final text of the health care reform bill, our partners at Powers, Pyles, Sutter & Verville, PC, sponsored by BIAA’s Business and Professional Council, have prepared an analysis of the major provisions that impact our community.
BIAA will continue to work to identify and advocate for favorable regulations to ensure access to brain injury care as the process moves forward.
Appropriations Update April 2010
With House Appropriations Committee consideration of the FY2011 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies around the corner, BIAA is working diligently to secure funding for programs authorized through the TBI Act, as well as for NIDRR’s TBI Model Systems of Care.
Specifically, BIAA and other TBI stakeholders recommend:
- $10 million (+ $4 million) for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention TBI Registries and Surveillance, Brain Injury Acute Care Guidelines, Prevention and National Public Education/Awareness
- $8 million (+ $1 million) for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Federal TBI State Grant Program
- $4 million (+ $1 million) for the HRSA Federal TBI Protection & Advocacy (P&A) Systems Grant Program
- $11 million (+1.5 million) for NIDRR’s TBI Model Systems of care for one new collaborative research project
Based on the requests of the stakeholders, The Congressional Brain Injury Task Force submitted a letter to the House Appropriations Committee on March 12, 2010 to encourage the funding increases necessary to sustain and bolster important research and improve state TBI services and supports.
Also, to supplement the meetings that BIAA and other stakeholders participated in with Appropriations Committee staff in both the House and the Senate, BIAA and NASHIA also facilitated an organizational letter to both appropriations committees with over 70 signers to show nationwide support for this essential funding.
Finally, BIAA submitted official testimony to both the House and the Senate Appropriations Committees to further cement our position.
As the appropriations process moves forward, BIAA will monitor the situation closely and alert grassroots advocates if action is necessary.
Depression that occurs after mild traumatic brain injury
Although it is not completely understood why, cases of mild traumatic brain injury are more often associated with new-onset depression than those of moderate or severe traumatic brain injuries. Studies have shown that rates of depression prior to injury are associated with rates of depression after injury, but the risk factors for those who have never experienced depression prior to the injury have not previously been made clear.
