Safety Considerations for the Use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as Treatment for Coma Recovery in People With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

Objective: For persons in states of disordered consciousness (DoC) after severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI), we report cumulative findings from safety examinations, including serious adverse events (AEs) of a repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) parameter protocol in 2 different studies.

Participants: Seven persons in states of DoC after sTBI with widespread neuropathology, but no large lesions in proximity to the site of rTMS. One participant had a ventriculoperitoneal shunt with programmable valve.

Clinical information seeking in traumatic brain injury: a survey of Veterans Health Administration polytrauma care team members.

Background: The polytraumatic nature of traumatic brain injury (TBI) makes diagnosis and treatment difficult.

Objectives: To (1) characterise information needs among Veterans Health Administration (VHA) polytrauma care team members engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of TBI; (2) identify sources used for TBI related information; and (3) identify barriers to accessing TBI related information.

Methods: Cross-sectional online survey of 236 VHA polytrauma care team members.

Placebo-Controlled Trial of Familiar Auditory Sensory Training for Acute Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Preliminary Report.

Background: Sensory stimulation is often provided to persons incurring severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), but therapeutic effects are unclear.

Objective: This preliminary study investigated neurobehavioral and neurophysiological effects related to sensory stimulation on global neurobehavioral functioning, arousal, and awareness.

Methods: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial where 15 participants in states of disordered consciousness (DOC), an average of 70 days after TBI, were provided either the Familiar Auditory Sensory Training (FAST) or Placebo of silence.

Healthcare utilization and costs of Veterans screened and assessed for traumatic brain injury.

Approximately 15% of casualties in the Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom [OEF]) and Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom [OIF]) conflicts received mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). To identify Veterans who may benefit from treatment, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented a national clinical reminder in 2007 to screen for TBI. Veterans who screen positive are referred for a comprehensive TBI evaluation.

Burnout and coping strategies of polytrauma team members caring for veterans with traumatic brain injury.

Objective: The aims of this national study were to (1) examine the extent of job burnout among VA Polytrauma team members engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI); and (2) identify their coping strategies for dealing with job-related stress.

Design: A cross-sectional sample of 233 VA Polytrauma team members completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and identified strategies for coping with work stress as part of an online survey.

Results: VA Polytrauma team members experience moderate levels of emotional exhaustion, but low levels of depersonalization and high levels of personal accomplishment.

An evaluation of the Veterans Affairs traumatic brain injury screening process among Operation Enduring Freedom and/or Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans.

Objective: To describe the early results of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) screening program for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to identify patient and facility characteristics associated with receiving a TBI screen and results of the screening.

Audiological issues and hearing loss among Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury.

We examined the prevalence, severity, etiology, and treatment of audiology problems among Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). A retrospective chart review was performed of 250 Veterans with mild TBI. Results of a comprehensive second-level mild TBI evaluation and subsequent visits to audiology were evaluated.

Prevalence and treatment of headaches in veterans with mild traumatic brain injury.

Objectives: To report the prevalence and characteristics of headaches in veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to describe most common treatment strategies after neurological evaluation.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study. The setting was a United States Veterans Healthcare Administration Polytrauma Network Site.

Reliability of the physical medicine and rehabilitation resident observation and competency assessment tool: a multi-institution study.

Objectives: To assess the psychometric qualities of a method of resident physician evaluation by faculty.

Design: Multicenter study by seven Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation training programs. Faculty physicians observed residents in brief patient encounters or teaching sessions, rated specific competencies, and provided residents with immediate feedback.