2010 Annual Conference - Friday Schedule

Presentations and Downloads

Friday Conference Schedule

8 - 9 a.m. -Registration and Exhibits Open

Exhibits are open daily 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

9 - 10:30 a.m. - Keynote Address

Sexuality & Traumatic Brain Injury: Finding the Comfort Zone
Tina Trudel, Ph.D., will addresses the common changes in sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction following traumatic brain injury (TBI). These changes can result in decreased quality of life for persons with TBI, and have a negative impact upon couples' relationships and sense of self. In this session, scientific literature review, clinical guidelines and case examples will be used to engage participants regarding how to increase the comfort level in discussing sexuality with persons with TBI and their family members, how to deal with sexuality issues on rehabilitation units and in post-acute programs and how to explore and access sexual therapies, options and aides..

10:30 - 11 a.m. - Break and Exhibits Open

11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - Breakout Session I

1. Aging With TBI
   Tina Trudel, Ph.D.
   Individuals living with brain injury often experience their injuries as adolescents and young adults, and live for many years afterward. This session will review research done through the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine's Long Term Outcome Task Force in the context of the literature on the topic and clinical experience. It will address recommendations for health, wellness and quality of life, along with the public policy and advocacy implications.
   
   
2. Using Neuropsychological Information in Behavioral Planning, Part I
   Robert Karol, Ph.D., L.P., ABPP, CBIST, Karol Neuropsychological Services & Consulting
   Most providers theoretically acknowledge the importance of cognitive change after brain injury, but too few actually apply knowledge of cognitive changes to behavioral planning on an individual case basis very well. This session will facilitate improved use of neuropsychological knowledge in behavioral planning. To fully appreciate the content of this presentation attendance is recommended at both sessions.
   
   
3. A Closer Look at the ProTECT Research Trial
   Michelle H. Biros, MD, MS, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School
   No new treatments for traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been found within the last 30 years. Progesterone has many theoretical neuroprotective properties and pilot studies show improved outcomes in TBI patients treated shortly after injury. Due to the presumed short therapeutic time window, ProTECT study will require the use of emergency exception from informed consent (EFIC) for research participation. This session, in addition to describing the clinical trial, will outline EFIC requirements and how we fulfilled these requirements for ProTECT.
   
   
4. Wellness Planning for Mental Health after Brain Injury
   Cindy Guddal, MSW, LISW, CBIS, CPRP; April Sjulstad, MS CPRP; Sonja Kruse, MA, CBIS, Courage Center
   People who have a brain injury have a high risk of co-occurring mental health disorders, including mood disorders and anxiety disorders that were either present before brain injury or occurring post-injury. This session will present strategies to teach the importance of planning for wellness activities in alleviating or preventing symptoms associated with these disorders. We will also present strategies to help individuals with brain injuries structure them into their day and use memory and organizational compensation tools for increased success. This will be a panel discussion, including staff from Courage Center's ARMHS Program and one consumer who has a brain injury and a co-occurring mental health disorder.
   
   
5. WOW! Has It Been 20 Years? Minnesota's TBI Registry: Data, Advocacy, Rehabilitation
   Mark Kinde, MPH, Director of Injury & Violence Prevention; Ayo Adeniyi, MBBS, Senior Epidemiologist; Jon Roesler, MS, Epidemiologist Supervisor – Minnesota Department of Health
   Since 1993, the Minnesota TBI Registry at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has been collecting data, partnering with the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota, and offering resource facilitation to individuals with new TBIs, linking survivors with services. This session will provide a historical overview of the Minnesota TBI Registry, including a comparative epidemiology of Minnesota's TBI, the MDH partnership with the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota to improve services for TBI survivors, and new efforts to use the Registry to measure outcomes.
   
   
6. Improving Systems Response to Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Victims with TBI
   Dianne Naus, MSW, Minnesota Disability Law Center; Erin Fontaine, MSW, Center for Independent Living; Sterling Harris, Programs for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault
   In this session, presenters will share their experience in working with community partners to develop and provide training to agencies that are involved in responding to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault who have TBI and other disabilities. Beginning with a description of needs assessment and strategic planning process, the session will focus on educating law enforcement, victim services, and disability service personnel.

12:15 - 1:15 p.m. - Lunch

1:15 - 2:30 p.m. - Breakout Session II

1. Sexuality and Intimacy: Relationships Post Injury
   Twyla Misselhorn, MA, Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Services
   Sexuality is an often overlooked but extremely critical component of the total rehabilitation process. This session will discuss disability and sexuality myths, how a TBI can impact one's sexuality, sexuality education for both consumers and their partners, and staff training regarding this topic.
   
   
2. Using Neuropsychological Information in Behavioral Planning, Part II
   Robert Karol, Ph.D., L.P., ABPP, CBIST, Karol Neuropsychological Services & Consulting
   Most providers theoretically acknowledge the importance of cognitive change after brain injury, but too few actually apply knowledge of cognitive changes to behavioral planning on an individual case basis very well. This session will facilitate improved use of neuropsychological knowledge in behavioral planning. To fully appreciate the content of this presentation attendance is recommended at both sessions.
   
   
3. Please Doc! Let Me Play! Sport-related Concussion in Minnesota's Children and Teens
   Leslie Seymour, MD, MPH; Jon Roesler, MS; Anna Gaichas, MS – Minnesota Department of Health
   There has been a lot of publicity about sports-related concussion recently with the NFL looking at its impact on players. But is football the only sport to be concerned about? Does age or gender of the individual have any role? How much of a problem has it been in Minnesota? This session, from the Injury Prevention Staff at the Minnesota Department of Health, will provide an epidemiological perspective of sport-related concussion in youth occurring during a 10-year span. This will be followed by a panel review of the most recent CDC guidelines for sport-related concussion, with discussion and Q & A.
   
   
4. Everyone is an Artist: Bringing Art into Your Life
   Danelle Griner; Brigid Alseth, CBIS, Rise Incorporated
   The creation of art is often seen as limited to professional artists or as encouraged in therapy. While art can be beneficial on many therapeutic levels, it can also be a source for creativity and joy. This session will focus on basic tools/ideas for assisting others in the creation of visual arts, including how to adapt and individualize the process. Session participants will learn the importance of encouraging the process so the result becomes a true reflection of each person.
   
   
5. The Journey through Spiritual Crisis: Helping Children and Families Find Hope
   Rev. Margaret Richardson, Chaplain; Rev. Ann Romanczuk, Chaplain; Rev. Suzanne Owens Pike, Lead Chaplain – Hennepin County Medical Center
   What is the role that faith/spirituality plays in the lives of young trauma survivors and their families in helping them not only survive but thrive? This session is designed to educate attendees about the initial psychospiritual stages of crisis that young survivors and families experience and the long-term changes and challenges to spiritual growth and development. Interventions to support survivors will be discussed along with recent research findings focusing on strategies which help survivors maintain hope and resilience. A summary of psychospiritual resources will be provided.
   
   
6. Brain Injury and Chemical Dependency: What's Effective, What's Not!
   John Johnson, MA, Options CIL
   This session will compare the treatment philosophies of AA, Men/Women for Sobriety, SMART Recovery and Rational Recovery from a "lay" perspective. Attendees will understand the differences and similarities of each program. Which philosophy works best with persons with brain injury? The pros and cons of each will be discussed along with problem solving with those in attendance.

2:30 - 2:45 p.m. - Break and Exhibits Open

2:45 - 4 p.m. - Breakout Session III

1. Survival is Only the Beginning
   Susan Howry
   Susan Howry has been providing services to survivors since the mid 1990s. In 2000, she developed services through her own corporation which continues to thrive today. Her "can do" approach to improving the lives of others has provided many a safe and comfortable home while they regain as much independence as possible. Her aneurysm in 2008 was an unbelievable event. Susan is very thankful for her full recovery and understands that not all fare as well. Survival is only the beginning. Susan and her daughter Randi will provide for us a personal perspective on brain injury survival and recovery. After a ruptured brain aneurysm left her clinging to life Susan regained her life and is here to share with us a unique story of being a care provider then needing the very care she provides.

Presentations and Downloads