Host: Gerry Brooks, MA, CCC, CBIST Time: 2857 In this program we discuss the different kinds of movement disorders common after an brain injury including risk, severity, and how movement disorders may very with the type of brain injury a person has. Evaluation of movement disorders as well as treatment options are considered in this informative Podcast.

Host: Gerry Brooks, MA, CCC, CBIST Guest: Neera Kapoor, O.D., M.S., FAAO, B.Sc, Associate Clinical Professor and Director of the Raymond J. Greenwald Rehabilitation Center, SUNY- Optometry, New York. Time: 28:56 Synopsis: Vision is one of our most important senses and it is vulnerable to impairment after a traumatic brain injury. In this program our Guest Dr. Neera Kapoor who gives an overview of Neuro-Optometry and discusses why if differs from Ophthalmology and Optometry and the role Neuro-Optometric rehabilitation provides in assessing and treating vision problems after a traumatic brain injury. Dr. Kapoor also gives listeners useful criteria for finding a Neuro-Optometrist, how is an examination done and the most common treatments.

Host: Gerry Brooks, MA, CCC, CBIST Time: 31:30 Synopsis: Issues of balance and dizziness are common after a traumatic brain injury. Problems with balance can cause an individual to feel unsteady, woozy, or have sensations of movement, spinning, or floating. Dizziness, can affect a person with TBI when their head is placed in certain positions, it can be triggered by loud noises and is often accompanied by headaches. In this edition of Northeast Center Podcast we consider Balance and Dizziness After Traumatic Brain Injury.  We define the common causes of dizziness and imbalance along with a discussion of the vestibular system. Also considered are the type of questions relevant for a physician to ask a patient, types of assessments that are used, testing and rehabilitation treatment protocols.

Host: Gerry Brooks, MA, CCC, CBIST Time: 30:10 Synopsis: Issues surrounding sexuality and sexual performance are common after traumatic brain injury. Sometimes this is a difficult subject for survivor, physician, spouse or partner to discuss. We present a frank and informative discussion about this topic including: reduction in sexual drive, erectile dysfunction, physical problems that affect sexual relationships, also communication and relationship issues are considered as well as treatment options.

Host: Gerry Brooks, MA, CCC, CBIST Time: 33:07 Synopsis: Sleep disorders are common after a traumatic brain injury. Sleep apnea, insomnia and other sleep disturbances can affect a TBI survivors quality of life and have the potential to make recovery more difficult as well as aggravate other TBI symptoms. We present an overview on sleep disorders after traumatic brain injury and treatment.

Host: Gerry Brooks, MA, CCC, CBIST Time: 30:42 Synopsis: Spasticity is a condition that can occur after a traumatic brain injury. It can affect the functioning of a person, sometimes keep them from performing activities of daily living as well as have a negative impact on the quality of life. What is spasticity and how is it treated?

Host: Gerry Brooks, MA, CCC, CBIST Time: 37:30 Synopsis: The final installment of our three part series on impairments of consciousness. We discuss assessment tools, treatment modalities, ethical issues, factors in continuing or discontinuing treatment as well as what is on the horizon for treatment in the future.

Host: Gerry Brooks, MA, CCC, CBIST Guest: Guest: Sarah M. DeWard, MS, New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence Time: 26:56 Synopsis: Domestic Violence is a pattern of coercive behavior aimed at gaining and maintaining power and control over an intimate partner. Sarah DeWard talks about domestic violence, its patterns and types of abuse. The conversation shifts to focus on individuals who have a traumatic brain injury which is either preexisting or as a result of abuse, and how a brain injury affects a victim. Ms. DeWard sites research, and speaks about the work of the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence to assist women's shelters to identify and advocate for TBI survivors who are victims of domestic violence.

Host: Gerry Brooks, MA, CCC, CBIST Time: 28:59 Synopsis: Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of seizure disorder. An overview of seizures is presented and important questions are answered: what is a seizure, what is the difference between a seizure and a behavior?, what is the progression of post-traumatic epilepsy, how are seizures diagnosed?, as well as other important questions.

Host: Rick Soshensky, MA, CMT, NRMT. Guest: Eric H. Chudler, Ph.D., Research Associate Professor, University of Washington. Time: 35:37 Synopsis: What is Neuroscience? Dr. Chudler provides an overview and discusses his helpful website: Neuroscience for Kids where visitors can learn more about the brain and central nervous system.

Host: Kathy McCormick, RN, CBIS, WWC, Northeast Center for Special Care Guest: Catherine Sanders, Director and Founder of Shaken Baby Prevention, Inc. Time: 35:37 Synopsis: Shaken Baby Syndrome is a form of child abuse that can cause traumatic brain injury, developmental delays, paralysis, severe motor dysfunction, spasticity, blindness, seizures, and it can cause death. One out of four victims of SBS dies. Our guest, Catherine Sanders is the parent of a child who is a survivor of SBS, ad the Director and Founder of Shaken Baby Prevention, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that provides education and awareness about the prevention of SBS. Join us for this special program about survival and prevention.

Host: Gerry Brooks, MA, CCC, CBIST, Director of Brain Injury Programs, Northeast Center for Special Care Time: 32:25 Synopsis: In the second part of our three-part series we present a primer on basic brain functions including an overview of the brain, the five senses, communication, and emotions. We discuss how the brain is housed, what protects it, what are the parts of the brain that control specific functions as well as the effects of injury on these functions.

Host: Rick Soshensky, MA, MT-BC, NRMT, Director of the Fine and Performing Arts Program, Northeast Center for Special Care Guest: Kimberly Carnevale, founder: Canine and Abled Time: 27:43 Synopsis: Kimberly Carnevale is a traumatic brain injury survivor. Because of seizures and ambulation issues Ms. Carnevale partners with a service dog. After a number of experiences of access denial with her service dog in public areas she started an organization called Canine and Abled. Ms. Carnevale discusses service dogs, issues around discrimination, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the outreach she does through Canine and Abled.

Host: Gerry Brooks, MA, CCC, CBIST, Director of Brain Injury Programs, Northeast Center for Special Care Guest:   Michael Paul Mason, Author, Brain Injury Case Manager. Time: 26:21 Synopsis: A discussion of the new book Head Cases - Stories of Brain Injury and Its Aftermath, with author Michael Paul Mason. Mr. Mason talks about what led him to write the book. There is a frank discussion of the state of brain injury rehabilitation in the US and suggestions on how people could work to improve that. Mr. Mason speaks about his experiences at a military hospital in Iraq and compares that to how medical services are delivered to soldiers may have an affect on treatment for the civilian population in the future.

Host: Gerry Brooks, MA, CCC, CBIST, Director of Brain Injury Programs, Northeast Center for Special Care Time: 32:25 Synopsis: Impairments of Consciousness and States of Consciousness Including the Vegetative State, is one that has been in the news over the past few years and one that has generated discussion not only with the public but also clinicians and professionals who specialize in treating brain injury. The question of individuals in a vegetative state was brought to the forefront with Terri Schaivo in 2005 and again recently with reports of enhanced arousal in some individuals in persistent vegetative states who had been given ambien. We discuss states of consciousness, coma, coma rating scales and gives an informative introduction to this topic.

Host: Gerry Brooks, MA, CCC, CBIST, Director of Brain Injury Programs, Northeast Center for Special Care Guest: Tracy East-Porter, founder and Executive Director of Mothers Against Brain Injury Time: 24:14 Synopsis: Tracy East-Porter is the mother of a teenage son who is a brain injury survivor. She discusses her experience of remaining with her son in the trauma center during those critical days after his injury. Ms. East-Porter explains what led her to found Mothers Against Brain Injury and the unique work performed by this organization. Mothers Against Brain Injury provides tote bags to trauma centers in Florida which are given to families when their loved ones are admitted. The tote bags contain a number of essential items that are beneficial during that time.

Host: Gerry Brooks, MA, CCC, CBIST, Director of Brain Injury Programs, Northeast Center for Special Care Time: 36:27 Synopsis: We discuss headaches related to traumatic brain injury including the different kinds of headaches, causes, assessment, treatment, prognosis and what the future may bring for improved treatments.

Host: Gerry Brooks, MA, CCC, CBIST, Director of Brain Injury Programs, Northeast Center for Special Care Time: 33:54 Synopsis: We discuss the stages of brain injury rehabilitation, whether it is possible to define an end to rehabilitation and if a "recovery plateau" used by insurance companies and treating programs is a meaningful concept. A thoughtful conversation about a difficult subject.

Host: Gerry Brooks, MA, CCC, CBIST, Director of Brain Injury Programs, Northeast Center for Special Care Guest: Thomas E. Pomeranz Ed.D., President and CEO of Universal LifeStiles, Indianapolis, IN.br /> Time: 31:42 Synopsis: Dr. Pomeranz discusses the use of positive behavioral supports with individuals who have a traumatic brain injury, antecedents such as environment, interactions, etc. Dr. Pomeranz talks about what the individual is communicating through behaviors and gain insight from that. Examples of positive behavioral supports are given. A frank and informative program with Dr. Pomeranz.

Host: Gerry Brooks, MA, CCC, CBIST, Director of Brain Injury Programs, Northeast Center for Special Care Guest: F.R. Sparadeo, Ph.D., Director of the Rhode Island Traumatic Brain Injury Institute. Time: 24:23 Synopsis: In this program the subject of substance abuse by individuals with TBI is discussed with Dr. Sparadeo, who is a noted clinical expert on this subject. Among the many topics in the program; Dr. Sparadeo discusses treatment and recovery, family support, and the effectiveness of twelve-step programs.

Host: Beth Faichney Guest: Edward V. Wilcenski, Esq., co-owner and co-manager of the law firm of Jones & Wilcenski PLLC., with practices in the areas of Special Needs Estate Planning, Trust & Estate Administration, and Elder Law and Long Term Care Planning. Time: 29:22 Synopsis: An informative discussion about trusts with the focus on supplemental needs trusts and their use for individuals with disabilities. Mr. Wilcenski takes the mystery out of trusts and provides valuable information.

Host: Gerry Brooks, MA, CCC, CBIST, Director of Brain Injury Programs, Northeast Center for Special Care Time: 32:02 Synopsis: In this program the topic of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) is discussed. A definition of MTBI is discussed and the question "is a concussion a traumatic brain injury," is answered. Among the many considerations in the program are: "does a mild traumatic brain injury resolve on its own?" and "how soon can someone resume their normal activities."

Host: Gerry Brooks, MA, CCC, CBIST Guest: Rosamond Gianutsos, Ph.D., FAAO, CDRS, Neuropsychologist and Director of Cognitive Rehabilitation Services, in Sunnyside, NY. Time: 33:48 Synopsis: This program is an overview of visual problems as result of a brain injury. Dr. Gianutsos gives an overview of the types of assessment, and rehabilitation for neurologically-based visual problems. The use of computers in rehabilitation is discussed as well. Dr. Gianutsos is a noted expert in this area and she presents an informative discussion.

Host: Beth Faichney Guests:  Richard Hodder, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.P., Medical Director, Northeast Center for Special Care, Martin Stein, M.D., Physician, Northeast Center for Special Care. Time: 26:19 Synopsis: A program that presents an overview of traumatic brain injury acquired in the Iraq War. Dr Hodder, who is a Retired Colonel (USAR) and Dr. Stein a retired Colonel in the Medical Corps discuss the differences between a closed injury and blast injury, how a brain injury is treated in the field and they take the listener through scenario of what happens when a soldier acquires a brain injury, acute care, and rehabilitation.

Host: Beth Faichney Guests: Michael V. Kaplen, Esq, Attorney with a practice specializing in representing individuals with brain injury and President of the Brain Injury Association of New York State, Richard Hodder, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.P., Medical Director, Northeast Center for Special Care, JoAnne Ligouri RN, Northeast Center for Special Care and Facilitator of ThinkFirst of Lake Katrine. Time: 36:49 Synopsis: A program about concussion, brain injury and prevention. Mr. Kaplen has been an outspoken critic of professional sports in the light of a recent series of concussions involving professional athletes and an advocate for safety and prevention. A strong case is presented by Mr. Kaplen for changes in protocols and assessment used in sports. Dr. Hodder discusses the health and medical aspect of concussion and Ms. Ligouri highlights the work in prevention education through a regional ThinkFirst program.

Host: Paul Scarpati, MS OTR/L Guests: Joseph Abdulla, George Griffith, Karina Davis-Corr, Cortland Community Reentry Program Time: 33:14 Synopsis: Individuals with traumatic brain injury can experience cognitive and behavioral challenges when reentering the community. Our guests discuss these challenges from a perspective of a community-based agency that supports individuals with TBI in independent residential settings and offers insight as to how people with brain injury are supported.

Host: Paul Scarpati, MS OTR/L Guests: Joseph Abdulla, George Griffith, Karina Davis-Corr, Cortland Community Reentry Program Time: 28:40 Synopsis: New York State is recognized as a leader in the nation of providing community-based services to individuals with traumatic brain injury. Cortland Community Reentry Program has been providing those kinds of services for over seventeen years. Our guests discuss how people with TBI are supported in the community, the kinds of services that are available, the Medicaid Waiver and how one brain injury program uniquely serves their consumers in the most integrated setting.

Host: Paul Scarpati, MS OTR/L Guest: Dr.Victor Zelek Time: 22:28 Synopsis: Brain Mapping - what is it? What is QEEG? How does it work? What is a typical brain mapping session like? What do the results mean? How can brain mapping benefit individuals with traumatic brain injury? Interesting and informative information presented by Dr. Zelek.

Host: Paul Scarpati, MS OTR/L Guest: Gerry Brooks, MA, CCC, CBIST Time: 26:17 Synopsis: This podcast is a basic overview of brain injury. Mr. Brooks discusses types of brain injury, causes, rehabilitation and treatment, prognosis and potential for community reentry for individuals with traumatic brain injury. Presented by Gerry Brooks, Brain Injury Program Director, Northeast Center for Special Care.

Host: Paul Scarpati, MS OTR/L Guest: Dr.Victor Zelek Time: 28:50 Synopsis: An overview of neurofeedback what it does, how is it used and who can benefit.  Dr. Zelek discusses the kinds of equipment used, what is done during typical training sessions, and how neurofeedback is used with individuals with brain injury and other conditions. Presented by Dr. Victor Zelek, Director of Neuropsychology Services at Northeast Center for Special Care.

Host: Paul Scarpati, MS OTR/L Guests: Alicia Fredella, RRT, CBIS-CL, Thomas Harvie, RRT Time: 27:56 Synopsis: A helpful discussion about how to choose a ventilator care and weaning program. Included is information about transferring a patient from an ICU to a care program, how to begin to find a program, how to assess ventilator programs, visiting potential programs and what questions to ask.

Host: Paul Scarpati, MS OTR/L Guests: Alicia Fredella, RRT, CBIS-CL, Thomas Harvie, RRT Time: 27:20 Synopsis: A discussion of the process of ventilator weaning. The listener is taken from admission to an understanding of the individual's of medical status, how the interdisciplinary team drives the treatment process. The conversation moves to the actual weaning itself and what happens afterwards. Individual and family supports are discussed and the listener is taken through the discharge planning process and finally the eventual return home.