Librarian's Picks: Traumatic Brain Injury.

'Quick picks' from librarians at the National Rehabilitation Information Center.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "Each year more than 80,000 Americans survive a hospitalization for traumatic brain injury (TBI) but are discharged with TBI-related disabilities. 5.3 million Americans are living today with a TBI-related disability." People living with these disabilities may face neurological difficulties, memory loss, depression and other psychiatric disabilities, aphasia, and communication disabilities. The agencies and organizations listed in this guide can help you and your family on the road to recovery.

For more resources, visit the Ready Reference page for Resources on Specific Disabilities or search the Knowledgebase.  You may also download the brochure in PDF format at the bottom of this page.

INFORMATION SOURCES ON TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI)

Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems
17 centers across the country
msktc.washington.edu/tbi/tbi_model_systems.htm
Funded by NIDRR, these projects research the spectrum of care from point of injury, through rehabilitation, to integration back into the community. They produce a wealth of information resources. Each project also contributes to the TBI National Data Center at www.tbindc.org

The Model Systems produced an excellent guide to Facts about the Vegetative and Minimally Conscious States after Severe Brain Injury available to download free of charge.

Brain Injury Association
8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 611
McLean, VA 22102
Phone: 800/444-6443 (V) (Family Helpline); 703/761-0750
Fax: 703/761-0755
www.biausa.org
Provides education and information on TBI, support groups, advocacy and local resources. Web site contains definitions to medical terminology, details of the rehabilitation process, and information on state affiliates.

Head Injury Hotline
212 Pioneer Building
Seattle, WA 98104-2221
Phone: 206/621-8558 (V)
Email: brain@headinjury.com
www.headinjury.com
Provides callers with information on living with brain injury, including consultations and referrals to health care, legal professionals and support groups. Established by the Phoenix Project, a TBI information clearinghouse. Web site contains hotline information and an e-mail address.

The Family Caregiver Alliance
180 Montgomery Street, Suite 1100
San Francisco, CA 94104
Phone: 415/434-3388 (V); 800/445-8106
Fax: 415/434-3508
Email: info@caregiver.org
www.caregiver.org
Assists families of persons with chronic or progressive brain disorders. Distributes information on caregiving and care of people with cognitive impairments. Web site contains fact sheets, articles, on-line support, and links to state-level resources.

Coma Recovery Association
8300 Republic Airport, Suite 106
Farmingdale, NY 11735
Phone: 631/756-1826 (V)
Fax: 631/756-1827
www.comarecovery.org
Provides information and referrals regarding treatment, rehabilitation and support, to those affected by coma and head injury. Web site includes reports and a listing of available materials.

A Chance to Grow
1800 Second Street NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
Phone: 612/789-1236 (V)
Fax: 612/706-5555
Email: actg@mail.actg.org
www.actg.org
Provides neurophysiological rehabilitation services to children with brain injuries. Maintains a library on brain injury. Programs can be made available on an in-home basis.

The National Resource Center For Traumatic Brain Injury
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Medical College of Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University
P.O. Box 980542
Richmond, VA 23298-0542
Phone: 804/828-9055 (V)
Fax: 804/828-2378
www.nrc.pmr.vcu.edu
mbking@hsc.vcu.edu
Provides practical and relevant information, including videotapes. Develops educational materials including intervention and assessment tools. Web site contains lists of materials available, a question and answer column, and relevant links.

National Easter Seal Society
230 West Monroe Street, Suite 1800
Chicago, IL 60606-4802
Phone: 800/221-6827 (V); 312/726-6200
TTY: 312/726-4258
Fax: 312/726-1494
www.easter-seals.org
Provides multiple services including physical, occupational and speech therapy, adult day care and vocational rehabilitation. Call for information on offices in your area. Web site includes program information listed by city and state.

Dana Foundation/Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives
745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 900
New York, NY 10151
Phone: 212/223-4040
www.dana.org
danainfo@dana.org
A private, philanthropic foundation with principal interests in science, health, and education. The Dana Alliance, a nonprofit organization of more than 200 neuroscientists, was formed to help provide information about personal and public benefits of brain research.

National Association for Home Care and Hospice
228 7th Street SE
Washington, DC 20003
Phone: 202/547-7472
Fax: 202/547-3540
www.nahc.org
An advocacy organization that assists patients seeking in-home care, home healthcare providers, medical professionals, and others working to increase access to in-home care, rather than institutionalization. The website includes an agency locator an information on how to choose a home healthcare provider.

For more online information:

• The Brain Information Page
  Wide variety of information on TBI.  www.tbilaw.com
• The Perspectives Network
  Information on peer communication networks.  www.tbi.org
• Case Management Resource Guide
  Search for rehab facilities and numerous other healthcare providers.  www.cmrg.com
• Community Integration
  Information on life after TBI.  www.tbicommunity.org