Brain Injury Insider

The increased risk of stroke following any type of traumatic brain injury is well known.

A new comprehensive review of the medical literature in an article entitled Risk of Stroke After a Traumatic Brain Injury, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the ACTA Neurological Journal this November, confirms this link.

Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States and is associated with increased risk of neurological disorders including seizure disorders, Parkinson’s Disease, ALS, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.

This comprehensive literature review confirms the relationship between traumatic brain injury and stroke. 

The review found across the spectrum of all types of TBI, mild, moderate, and severe, patients were at an increased risk of both ischemic strokes caused by a blood clot in the brain and hemorrhagic stroke caused by bleeding within the brain.

This risk of stroke is at the highest levels in the first three months following any traumatic brain injury pointing to the need for careful monitoring of all patients suffering TBI for the signs and symptoms of stroke. 

Although the risk then goes down, it is not eliminated, and patients still need to be monitored. 

In patients who may have developed a carotid or vertebral artery dissection, bleeding in an artery of the neck following neck trauma, in patients taking anti-coagulation medication, blood thinners which increases the risk of bleeding, and in the elderly, monitoring for stroke is essential following a traumatic brain injury. 

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/V-5B03pGodE

De Caro & Kaplen, LLP are nationally recognized experts in stroke malpractice and misdiagnosis cases https://brainlaw.com/medical-malpractice/stroke-misdiagnosis/

Brain Injury Insider is a weekly podcast by The Brain Injury Law Firm ®, De Caro & Kaplen, LLP.

Host Michael Kaplen is a passionate advocate of the rights of brain injury survivors, and has been fighting on their behalf for over 40 years.

De Caro & Kaplen, LLP
228 E. 45th Street, Suite 1100, New York, NY 10017
Toll Free: (866) 272-4652
e: [email protected]
brainlaw.com

Screening of patients in hospital emergency departments for concussions and other types of traumatic brain injury is challenging due to the many ways symptoms may manifest.

Repeated studies have shown that emergency departments often fail to properly diagnose concussions leading to the inability of individuals to receive timely or proper treatment.

And even when a concussion is diagnosed, there is often a failure to assess the patient for a risk of future consequences previously called the post-concussion syndrome and now known as persistent post concussive symptoms.

A new study emphasizes the need to screen patients for ocular difficulties in the emergency department as an accurate tool to assess the risk of developing long term post-concussion consequences.

The study examines screening for convergence insufficiency symptoms.

Convergence insufficiency affects the ability of both eyes to work together to form a single image resulting from damage to the nerves controlling eye muscles.

Common symptoms include visual fatigue, double vision, headaches, or trouble concentrating.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/65NdFZetldk

Follow news on brain injury studies, reports, and research at https://brainlaw.com/brain-injuries/studies/

Brain Injury Insider is a weekly podcast by The Brain Injury Law Firm ®, De Caro & Kaplen, LLP.

Host Michael Kaplen is a passionate advocate of the rights of brain injury survivors, and has been fighting on their behalf for over 40 years.

De Caro & Kaplen, LLP
228 E. 45th Street, Suite 1100, New York, NY 10017
Toll Free: (866) 272-4652
e: [email protected]
brainlaw.com

Evidence continues to accumulate regarding repetitive head trauma as a cause of brain damage.

A survey of boat team veterans conducted by a retired chief revealed that nearly all of the 300 respondents had experienced concussion symptoms from riding on high-speed boats, with many still suffering years later.

Find out more about traumatic brain injury in Veterans and the US Military at https://brainlaw.com/brain-injuries/veterans/

Brain Injury Insider is a weekly podcast by The Brain Injury Law Firm ®, De Caro & Kaplen, LLP.

Host Michael Kaplen is a passionate advocate of the rights of brain injury survivors, and has been fighting on their behalf for over 40 years.

De Caro & Kaplen, LLP
228 E. 45th Street, Suite 1100, New York, NY 10017
Toll Free: (866) 272-4652
e: [email protected]
brainlaw.com

Last week, Shana De Caro and I had the pleasure of attending the inaugural Luminary of the Year tribute sponsored by the Brain Injury Association of America, honoring its founder, Marilyn Price Spivak.

Marilyn’s vision in 1981 of establishing what was then known as the National Head Injury Foundation has been the guiding light for the mission of the Brain Injury Association in providing help, hope and healing to the millions of Americans living with a brain injury and just as important, to their families.

I have had the honor and privilege of knowing Marilyn for many years and working with her to improve the lives of brain injury survivors.   

Founded in her kitchen by a group of parents who desired a better future for their children suffering from the tragic consequences of catastrophic brain damage, Marilyn’s leadership and relentless commitment to the mission of the association has helped to create the nation’s oldest, largest, and most influential brain injury advocacy organization.

As the voice of brain injury, the association under its capable leadership endeavors to improve the quality of life of all people afflicted by a brain injury across their lifespan through advancing prevention, awareness, research, treatment, education, and advocacy.

Shana De Caro, as past chairwoman of the Brain Injury Association of America, and myself as past president of the Brain Injury Association of New York State congratulates, Marilyn, on this well-deserved tribute and extend our thanks and gratitude for her tireless work to illuminate, inspire, and shape the work of the Brain Injury Association of America.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2euAJBoVX8

Brain Injury Insider is a weekly podcast by The Brain Injury Law Firm ®, De Caro & Kaplen, LLP.

Host Michael Kaplen is a passionate advocate of the rights of brain injury survivors, and has been fighting on their behalf for over 40 years.

De Caro & Kaplen, LLP
228 E. 45th Street, Suite 1100, New York, NY 10017
Toll Free: (866) 272-4652
e: [email protected]
brainlaw.com

In a victory for the brain injury community, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has recognized traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a chronic health condition.

CMS has added TBI to its list of chronic conditions for chronic special needs through its Medicare Advantage program effective for the January 2025 plan year  This significant addition was made though the advocacy efforts of The Brain Injury Association of America who will continue to fight to expand coverage for all types of brain injury with the ultimate goal of greater coverage across all forms of public and private insurance.

This is an important first step in advocacy efforts to expand coverage for brain injury beyond acute care and helps to make the case that brain injury should be treated by healthcare providers as a chronic condition like heart disease or diabetes.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/QVvZ3YuG4NQ

Find out more about brain injury at https://brainlaw.com/tbi-facts/

Brain Injury Insider is a weekly podcast by The Brain Injury Law Firm ®, De Caro & Kaplen, LLP.

Host Michael Kaplen is a passionate advocate of the rights of brain injury survivors, and has been fighting on their behalf for over 40 years.

De Caro & Kaplen, LLP
228 E. 45th Street, Suite 1100, New York, NY 10017
Toll Free: (866) 272-4652
e: [email protected]
brainlaw.com

Despite what long term disability insurance carriers may respond to claims made by brain injury survivors for long term disability benefits, not everyone gets better after sustaining a traumatic brain injury.

Recent long term medical studies have concluded that the cognitive, physical, and emotional consequences of a traumatic brain injury, including a concussion can result in long term impairments. 
 
These studies establish contrary to past opinions, most symptoms of concussion are not resolved within 3 months post-injury.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/YAghfh3P9u8

Legal assistance and representation for brain injury survivors: https://brainlaw.com/brain-injuries/

Brain Injury Insider is a weekly podcast by The Brain Injury Law Firm ®, De Caro & Kaplen, LLP.

Host Michael Kaplen is a passionate advocate of the rights of brain injury survivors, and has been fighting on their behalf for over 40 years.

De Caro & Kaplen, LLP
228 E. 45th Street, Suite 1100, New York, NY 10017
Toll Free: (866) 272-4652
e: [email protected]
brainlaw.com

Today, I have some good news to share with all those who are interested in improving the lives of brain injury survivors, educating the public about brain injury, and preventing future brain injuries from occurring.

The Brain Injury Association of America and the United States Brain Injury Alliance have agreed to merge into a single organization, under the auspices of The Brain Injury Association of America.

This merger will bring individual state Brain Injury Alliance Association affiliates back into The Brain Injury Association of America, enhancing the largest national network dedicated to providing direct support and advocacy for individuals with brain injuries. 

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/jdMIJpOnIko

Brain Injury Insider is a weekly podcast by The Brain Injury Law Firm ®, De Caro & Kaplen, LLP.

Host Michael Kaplen is a passionate advocate of the rights of brain injury survivors, and has been fighting on their behalf for over 40 years.

De Caro & Kaplen, LLP
228 E. 45th Street, Suite 1100, New York, NY 10017
Toll Free: (866) 272-4652
e: [email protected]
brainlaw.com

A new study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine found that 25 % of patients thought to be unresponsive and diagnosed as being in the vegetative or minimally conscious state had some degree of conscious awareness.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/2WenSM2iacg

Find more brain injury study and research news visit https://brainlaw.com/brain-injuries/studies/

Brain Injury Insider is a weekly podcast by The Brain Injury Law Firm ®, De Caro & Kaplen, LLP.

Host Michael Kaplen is a passionate advocate of the rights of brain injury survivors, and has been fighting on their behalf for over 40 years.

De Caro & Kaplen, LLP
228 E. 45th Street, Suite 1100, New York, NY 10017
Toll Free: (866) 272-4652
e: [email protected]
brainlaw.com

Over 50% of law enforcement officers reported a prior head injury involving loss of consciousness or being dazed or confused, or a gap in memory, all signs of a traumatic brain injury following on the job encounters or sports related injury when surveyed about past head injuries. 

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/lfzvePsPCc4

Find out more about brain injury at https://brainlaw.com/tbi-facts/

Brain Injury Insider is a weekly podcast by The Brain Injury Law Firm ®, De Caro & Kaplen, LLP.

Host Michael Kaplen is a passionate advocate of the rights of brain injury survivors, and has been fighting on their behalf for over 40 years.

De Caro & Kaplen, LLP
228 E. 45th Street, Suite 1100, New York, NY 10017
Toll Free: (866) 272-4652
e: [email protected]
brainlaw.com

Brain injury continues to be a significant cause of disability and death for children of all ages. 

Pediatric brain injury leads to over 500,000 visits to hospital emergency departments each year and about 60,000 hospitalizations in the United States.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/vHlE0DOZln4

If your child has suffered a brain injury through the negligence or nefarious actions of another individual, the attorneys at De Caro & Kaplen, LLP can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Find out more at https://brainlaw.com/brain-injuries/for-parents/

Brain Injury Insider is a weekly podcast by The Brain Injury Law Firm ®, De Caro & Kaplen, LLP.

Host Michael Kaplen is a passionate advocate of the rights of brain injury survivors, and has been fighting on their behalf for over 40 years.

De Caro & Kaplen, LLP
228 E. 45th Street, Suite 1100, New York, NY 10017
Toll Free: (866) 272-4652
e: [email protected]
brainlaw.com