On June 27, 2012 at the Hard Rock Café in Toronto, SickKids researches, Dr. Jamie Hutchinson, Dr. Maureen Dennis, and PhD candidate Linda Rothman, held a discussion called, “Humpty Dumpty had a great Fall: Prevention, treatment, outcomes for traumatic brain injury.” This discussion was open to the public and this SickKids Café Scientifique engaged the audience and allowed for a great discussion with insights from all three of these medical professionals.
Dr. Jamie Hutchinson, critical care physician and scientist at SickKids, started the conversation with his remark that TBI is the most common cause of death and acquired disability in children. Nearly 1000 people under the age of 20 are hospitalized because of TBI each year. Unfortunately, this number is continuing to increase even with additional information available. Dr. Hutchinson went on to explain that TBI is essentially a misdiagnosis of a “misunderstood and under-funded neurological disease.” Further stressing that personalized therapy is needed for those who acquire a brain injury to help them have a sense of independent living and a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Maureen Davis added to the discussion, focusing on her expertise of educational, behavioural and psychosocial outcomes for TBI survivors. She stated the importance of, “an individual’s social world and seeking out a prediction model to identify specific personal characteristics that will allow for targeted intervention to achieve better outcomes.”
Finally, Dr. Linda Rothman, PhD candidate at the Institute of Medical Science, U of T, described brain injuries as not being accidents. Dr. Rothman believes that they are fully preventable and predictable occurrences. During the discussion she said, “Proper education, physical engineering, legislation enforcement –the three Es- are proactive strategies that will aid in the prevention and reduction of TBI among children.” It is important for individuals to be aware that for the most part TBI and ABI in children are preventable. This is a very powerful statement.
Gluckstein & Associates LLP has supported SickKids with sponsorship of past educational seminars and believes that SickKids is presenting well needed awareness to TBI and ABI survivors through public discussion & education that highlights the ongoing research. Stay tuned for more information on SickKids educational sessions, as we will keep you updated on all the local Toronto seminars/discussions.
For further information about these topics of discussion see: http://www.sickkids.ca/AboutSickKids/Newsroom/Past-News/2012/TBI-Cafe-Scientifique.html
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