Traumatic Brain Injury is the Focus of TBSI Annual Neuroscience Symposium proclaims the press release about the 2010 Texas Brain and Spine Institute's Fourth Annual Neuroscience Symposium.
The press release further states, "This year's symposium will consist of an evening of public presentations aimed at helping local residents, as well as brain injury patients and their family members, better understand the complexities of a traumatic brain injury and ways to reduce the risk of head injury."
TBI Keynote Address
Nevermind the fact that sessions open to the general public are from 5:15 to 7:30, which consists of the keynote address and one hour of discussion. The majority of the symposium is, according to the press release, "geared toward health professionals and health researchers."
It was, however, the keynote address during the public portion to help residents as well as brain injury patients and their family members better understand the complexities of a traumatic brain injury that really got my dander flying.
Again, allow me to quote the press release. "The keynote speaker for the public session is Robert G. Grossman, M.D. whose presentation is entitled The Assassination of John F. Kennedy - A Neurosurgeon's Eyewitness Account of the Events of November 22, 1963." (continued below)
I remember November 22, 1963. I remember how America was shattered, far more so than by the events of September 11, 2001. I remember my mother crying. Years later I saw the Zapruder film, the very graphic eyewitness to what happened to President Kennedy's head.
Having been a history buff for many, many years, I have delved into the Kennedy assassination. I even had a copy of the Warren Commission report at one time. Yet, I have never seen nor read anything that would benefit a brain injury victim or family member from the events of November 22, 1963.
Of course, Texas has never lived down the fact that JFK was assassinated there, and that's probably why the chairman of the event stated, "We are excited about this year's public session. We believe Dr. Grossman's involvement in the team that cared for President Kennedy will attract a lot of residents to the keynote session."
Real Brain Injury Help
The Brain Injury Community consists of victims, family members, therapists and, yes, neuroscience professionals. Traumatic Brain Injury is a life-changing event. In addition to any physical wounds that might exist, there are many, many brain issues.
Memory problems, cognitive problems and behavioral problems are causing consternation, stress, confusion and frustration for both the victim and many family members.
Beth and I belong to many brain injury forums and are connected to hundreds of affected people through MySpace and Facebook. They want answers to issues that confront them everyday. Has anyone tried so and so? I need someone to talk to. These are the things we hear.
As time goes on, I'm more and more convinced that the best help comes from those of us who have walked the walk and are now talking the talk. Beth and I have lived for over 30 years with the effects of her injury. She's getting on a plane in a couple of days, heading to England where she will be teaching software classes to people from France and Germany.
I think I can say we are experts on developing a life after brain injury, and I think Beth's determination is an example that can be a model for everyone. I encourage you to spend some time on our website. Keep up with Beth at Beth's Brain Injury Blog.
Be sure to look around our Brain Injury Sitemap.
