Business Wire | A New Development in Ground-Breaking Tools to Diagnose TBI

LEXINGTON, MA |   There is currently no way to identify individuals who are at the greatest risk for developing chronic symptoms related to the long-term effects of TBI.  That situation, however, may change.  How?

A new study identifies the correlation of tau accumulation in military personnel to those who experienced long-term neurological symptoms after a TBI. These findings will be used to identify patients who are most at risk.

National Institute of Nursing Research uses something called Quanterix’s Simoa Technology to identify the significance of key protein in long-term complications caused by Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Quanterix headquarters, Lexington MA

To help identify biomarkers that could better pinpoint those at-risk, the researchers explored whether elevated levels of tau—a protein known to have a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease—are related to chronic neurological symptoms in military personnel who had experienced TBI.

Quanterix Corporation, a leader in high definition diagnostics, announced on August 3 that JAMA Neurology has published a new study in which its Simoa (single molecule array) technology was used to identify a protein previously linked to acute symptoms following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). 

The study, led by the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), a component of the National Institutes of Health, was designed to determine whether levels of tau protein in the blood were correlated to long term effects of a TBI. 

The findings from the study will be used to provide a framework to identify patients who are most at risk for experiencing chronic symptoms related to a TBI.

As cited in the study, approximately one-third of all U.S. military personnel who serve in combat operations experience at least one TBI. Individuals with TBI are more likely to experience ongoing complications such as post-concussive disorder (PCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.  They are also more likely to develop chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)—progressive brain degeneration that leads to dementia following repetitive TBIs. 

Using Quanterix’s ultra-sensitive Simoa technology, researchers were able to accurately measure levels of tau in participants’ blood. Military participants who had elevated tau levels in their samples and had a history of TBI were compared with participants who had never suffered a TBI. Additionally, researchers found that participants with three or more deployment-related TBIs had significantly higher levels of tau compared with participants who had fewer TBIs. These results will be used in future studies to provide a therapeutic target for treating the causes of CTE and other neurodegenerative and psychological conditions that can result from these types of injury.

“When the brain experiences any kind of trauma, whether caused by a hit on the sidelines at a sporting event or someone impacted during combat while serving in the military, miniscule quantities of protein enter the blood stream. Our technology is the only one sensitive enough to measure these proteins in a way that no one thought possible,” said Kevin Hrusovsky, CEO and Executive Chairman, Quanterix. “This is one of the many studies in which Simoa is being used to further understand and quantify the long term effects of TBI and we are pleased to be working with NINR to continue our mission to understand what is going on in the human body and, in turn, improve the quality of care.”

The study sampled military personnel, with or without a history of TBI, who had been deployed for combat in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and/or Operation Iraqi Freedom within the previous 18 months. The researchers examined participant medical records as well as responses to the Warrior Administered Retrospective Casualty Assessment Tool to determine if participants had been diagnosed with or treated for a TBI. 

To read the full study published in the August 3 issue of JAMA Neurology, please visit: http://archneur.jamanetwork.com/journal.aspx.

About Quanterix

Quanterix is a developer of ground-breaking tools in high definition diagnostics. Its Simoa platform uses single molecule measurements to access previously undetectable proteins. With this unprecedented sensitivity and full automation, Simoa offers significant benefits to both research and clinical testing applications. Quanterix was established in 2007 and is located in Lexington, Massachusetts. 

To learn more about Quanterix and Simoa, please visit: www.quanterix.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150803005072/en/

On Self-Esteem | 10 Ways to Feel Better About Yourself

NEW YORK CITY:  In a March 31, 2011 article on Emotional Fitness, Psychology Today states, "Everyday, you have another chance to make things better. Some days are better than others. On those days that go less well, we usually end up being hard on ourselves."

Here are some tools to avoid doing so.

1. Keep going.
Don't let life's changes throw you off track, but remember that most extenuating circumstances are temporary. Gain more clarity by staying the course and channeling your energy in a positive direction.

2. Trust yourself.
Believe in your inner resources, no matter what, and you'll grow from the experience. I believe that the answers usually lie within and you are probably smart enough to figure out what you need to do. Give yourself a little time and have patience.

3. Be friends with life. 
Remember that the world is not out to get you and it does not punish you. You do that to yourself. Learning to focus on other opportunities or in another direction can give you some perspective.

4. Watch your thoughts.
Your thinking will never be 100 percent positive. You must learn to dismiss the negative thoughts and stay open to other ideas that will help you move in a positive direction. Start recognizing negative thoughts and use your mind to quell them.

5. Summon the strength you have inside.
Learn to access and direct your strengths to the highest good for all concerned. Believe that your strength and intelligence can help you deal with anything. Remember that you have survived worse.

6. Learn to love yourself. 
You do not have to be who you are today, and your life is not scripted. Changing how you feel about yourself means creating a strategy, gathering some new tools, and making yourself into the person you want to be. A good way to start is to stop doing things that hurt.

7. Don't want too much. 
Desire can be a powerful motivating tool, but wanting something too much can be very painful and very expensive, so don't live beyond your means or covet the unattainable. Seek your desire, but keep your integrity.

8. Don't get insulted.
It is wise to be dispassionate about critical comments. Human's will always bump heads, but consider the source, and if it's the other person's issue, ignore it. Learn to respond instead of react, and don't show your ire.

9. Recognize that disappointment is part of life. 
Even the most successful people have to deal with disappointment, but they've learned how to use it to get to the next level of life. The trick is to process your feelings, then take some kind of action.

10. Deal with your fears.
Overcoming fear makes you stronger, and being a little scared can make you better. You want to have butterflies; you just want them flying in formation. It helps to understand and admit your fears. Then you can kick them to the curb.

Feel good about yourself, no matter what life brings. 

Know that each time you wake up, you have another chance to make things better. Don't waste it.

Simple Self-Esteem Boosts That Improve Emotional Strength

NEW YORK CITY:  When our self-esteem is poor we are likely to experience greater drops in motivation after a failure, and to demonstrate less persistence toward the task at hand.

Lower self-esteem even makes us more vulnerable to anxiety and stress. Studies found that when our self-esteem is low we release more cortisol into our bloodstream when we experience stress and it circulates in our systems for longer compared to people whose self-esteem is high.

Those whose self-esteem was boosted displayed significantly less anxiety those who did not receive a self-esteem boost. Rest assured, no electrical shock was then administered -- but the participants did believe they were about to get zapped.

So, if boosting our self-esteem can improve our emotional immune systems, how can we give ourselves this extra fortification when our self-esteem is at a low?

One of the most effective self-esteem boosters is self-affirmations. In contrast to positive affirmations (which are general positive statements such as, "I am worthy of great love and success!" and which we might or might not actually believe), self-affirmation reflect personal qualities we know we possess.

From Clinical psychologist Guy Winch's Huffington Post article.

Strength Building Self-Statements 

1. What’s the worst that can happen? And based on my experience, and NOT on my emotions, how likely is that to happen? 

2. Feelings are sometimes painful, but are time-limited. 

3. It will get easier each time I practice. 

4. My success is measured by taking skillful action, not by whether I was anxious when I did it. 

5. I’m not going to let a lapse get in my way. I’m going to continue making progress towards my goal. 

6. Feeling I can’t do it is NOT the same as not being able to do it. Stick to the plan. 

7. Good job—I’m staying in the situation, even though it’s hard. 

8. I’m going to make it. 

9. It’s a sign of strength to ask for help in an effective way. 

10. Knowing when to ask for coaching is a skill in itself. 

11. I am a unique person, and I have unique reactions. Only I can determine how I SHOULD feel in any given situation. 

12. My feelings are not right or wrong, they just simply ARE. 

13. A feeling of certainty is not the same as the truth. 

14. My painful emotions happen for a reason and are an important source of information and direction for me. 

15. Urges are a natural part of emotions and of being human. Having an urge (even a strong urge) does not mean that I have to DO anything at all.

Emotional Regulation | How to Let Go of Emotional Suffering

NEW YORK CITY:  Emotion regulation refers to a person’s ability to understand and accept his or her emotional experience, to engage in healthy strategies to manage uncomfortable emotions when necessary, and to engage in appropriate behavior (e.g., attend classes, go to work, engage in social relationships) when distressed.

People with good emotion regulation skills are able to control the urges to engage in impulsive behaviors, such as self-harm, reckless behavior, or physical aggression, during emotional distress.

From Healing Schemas.

Cure for TBI | FDA Gives Thumbs Up to BrainScope Device

NEW YORK CITY |   Can a second-generation system offer an objective assessment of mildly-presenting head trauma patients?  It seems quite possible when this system uses commercial smartphone technology.

BrainScope Company, Inc. announced today that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the company’s Ahead 200 device.

Using commercial smartphone hardware that employs Google’s Android operating system, the Ahead 200 records and analyzes a patient’s electroencephalograph (EEG) using a custom sensor attached to the handheld to provide an interpretation of the structural condition of the patient’s brain after head injury.

In late 2012, BrainScope announced that it had been awarded a $2.67 million contract by the United States Army for development of the Ahead 200, a smaller, more rugged and modernized version of its Ahead 100 traumatic brain injury assessment technology.

Similar to the Ahead 100, which was cleared this past November, it is indicated for use as an adjunct to standard clinical practice to aid in the evaluation of patients who are being considered for a head Computerized Tomography (CT) scan, but should not be used as a substitute for a CT scan. It is to be used on patients who sustained a closed head injury within 24 hours, clinically present as a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), and are between the ages of 18-80 years.

“We are particularly grateful for the strong, continuing partnership with the Department of Defense,” stated Michael Singer, President and CEO of BrainScope. “FDA Clearance of our Ahead 200 represents a significant achievement in BrainScope’s mission to develop an objective, non-invasive, patient-friendly assessment device for rapid and easy use in urgent care settings. A device with the ability to rapidly identify and categorize patients who present with mild symptoms but who may have a life-threatening TBI has the potential to improve triage, save lives, reduce radiation exposure and decrease costs to the healthcare system.”

In September 2014, BrainScope announced that it had been awarded three contracts valued at $15.93 million by the United States Department of Defense for continued research and development of the Ahead system.

These contracts support enhancement of BrainScope’s Ahead technology and current nationwide, multi-site clinical studies in hospital Emergency Rooms, and extend its TBI focus to concussion assessment technology. Studies in concussed athletes are underway in cooperation with university sports programs. These activities leverage six years of BrainScope studies in sports venues, including a study awarded through the GE-NFL Head Health Challenge I.

“The Ahead 200 project in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense has culminated in another important FDA Clearance and has allowed us to leverage the ubiquitous Android mobile operating system and advances in handheld processing technology fueled by the smartphone market to develop and ultimately commercialize our products. We continue to refine the ultimate product through our ongoing clinical studies and technology development,” stated Singer.

Results from independent clinical studies utilizing BrainScope’s technology have been published through 15 articles in leading peer-reviewed neurotrauma and emergency medicine journals such as Journal of Neurotrauma, Brain Injury, Academic Emergency Medicine, Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, and Military Medicine.

BrainScope holds 86 issued and pending patents related to its technology.

BrainScope has been awarded more than $27 million of U.S. Department of Defense research contracts for the development of its TBI assessment technology and has received significant funding from private investors to accelerate its development efforts.

About BrainScope

Backed by Revolution (created by AOL co-founder Steve Case), Shaman Ventures, ZG Ventures, State of Maryland Venture Fund, Brain Trust Accelerator Fund, and Difference Capital, BrainScope is a medical neurotechnology company that is developing a new generation of hand-held, easy-to-use, non-invasive instruments designed to aid medical professionals in rapidly and objectively assessing TBI.

BrainScope devices in development are based on a proprietary technology platform, which integrates databases of brainwave recordings with advanced digital signal processing, sophisticated algorithms, miniaturized hardware and disposable headset sensors. BrainScope's unique devices are being created to meet a long-standing clinical need for improved early identification, staging and triage of head injured patients. BrainScope devices under development, including the Ahead 300 and the Ahead Concussion Assessment System, for assessment of traumatically-induced structural head injury and concussion are for investigational use only. For more information, please visit www.brainscope.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150518006746/en/

Brain Injury Association | No Two Brain Injuries Are the Same

"Since anyone can sustain a brain injury at any time, it is important for everyone to have access to comprehensive rehabilitation and ongoing disease management. Doing so eases medical complications, permanent disability, family dysfunction, job loss, homelessness, impoverishment, medical indigence, suicide and involvement with the criminal or juvenile justice system. Access to early, comprehensive treatment for brain injury also alleviates the burden of long term care that is transferred to tax payers at the federal state and local levels."

Dr. Brent Masel, National Medical Director

for the Brain Injury Association of America

Understanding TBI | Bridge Advocacy Project

An Advocacy Project
By 2014–2015 Class of Bridge Program at Mount Sinai Hospital Rehab Center

NEW YORK CITY — Participants of the 2014–2015 Bridge Program at Mount Sinai Hospital's Rehabilitation Center were given the task of creating and producing an Advocacy Project that would raise the public's awareness of TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury).

Since these participants are affected by TBI, they put their heads together to come up with a board presentation that would be featured on the Rehab Center's hallway, which is located at 5 East 102nd Street in East Harlem.  This TBI Advocacy Project began in November 2014 and was completed in May 2015. It involved heavy research.

All of these Bridge participants are outpatients and affected TBI.  They entitled the board project as "Understanding TBI."  Keep revisiting this blog to see posts that feature sections of the project. Ultimately, you will see the entire TBI Advocacy Project board.  

These industrious Bridge participants look forward to hearing — and learning about —your reactions to their TBI Advocacy Project. 

Understanding TBI | How Does Brain Injury Affect Families?

An Advocacy Project
By 2014–2015 Class of Bridge Program at Mount Sinai Hospital Rehab Center

NEW YORK CITY — Participants of the 2014–2015 Bridge Program at Mount Sinai Hospital's Rehabilitation Center were given the task of creating and producing an Advocacy Project that would raise the public's awareness of TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury).

Since these participants are affected by TBI, they put their heads together to come up with a board presentation that would be featured on the Rehab Center's hallway, which is located at 5 East 102nd Street in East Harlem.  This TBI Advocacy Project began in November 2014 and was completed in May 2015. It involved heavy research.

All of these Bridge participants are outpatients and affected TBI.  They entitled the board project as "Understanding TBI."  Keep revisiting this blog to see posts that feature sections of the project. Ultimately, you will see the entire TBI Advocacy Project board.  

These industrious Bridge participants look forward to hearing — and learning about —your reactions to their TBI Advocacy Project. 

HOW DOES BRAIN INJURY AFFECT FAMILY MEMBERS?

For most family members, life is not the same after a TBI.  You are not alone in what you are feeling.

Some family and friends don't understand what you are feeling on a daily basis.

Some people experience a great deal of stress after their injury.

Ways to reduce stress can go on for a long time and can have a negative affect on the human body.

Prolonged stress can lead to depression and/or anxiety.

Learn how to relax.

Take a few moments.

There are a number of ways that you can reduce stress. 

Take a few moments for yourself.

Exercise regularly.

Participate in support groups.

Changing roles with the family.

Try to maintain a sense of humor.

Understanding TBI | Get Hip To These Top 10 Myths About TBI (Part 1 of 3)

An Advocacy Project
By 2014–2015 Class of Bridge Program at Mount Sinai Hospital Rehab Center

NEW YORK CITY — Participants of the 2014–2015 Bridge Program at Mount Sinai Hospital's Rehabilitation Center were given the task of creating and producing an Advocacy Project that would raise the public's awareness of TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury).

Since these participants are affected by TBI, they put their heads together to come up with a board presentation that would be featured on the Rehab Center's hallway, which is located at 5 East 102nd Street in East Harlem.  This TBI Advocacy Project began in November 2014 and was completed in May 2015. It involved heavy research.

All of these Bridge participants are outpatients and affected TBI.  They entitled the board project as "Understanding TBI."  Keep revisiting this blog to see posts that feature sections of the project. Ultimately, you will see the entire TBI Advocacy Project board.  

These industrious Bridge participants look forward to hearing — and learning about —your reactions to their TBI Advocacy Project. 

Understanding TBI | Get Hip To These Top 10 Myths About TBI (Part 2 of 3)

An Advocacy Project
By 2014–2015 Class of Bridge Program at Mount Sinai Hospital Rehab Center

NEW YORK CITY — Participants of the 2014–2015 Bridge Program at Mount Sinai Hospital's Rehabilitation Center were given the task of creating and producing an Advocacy Project that would raise the public's awareness of TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury).

Since these participants are affected by TBI, they put their heads together to come up with a board presentation that would be featured on the Rehab Center's hallway, which is located at 5 East 102nd Street in East Harlem.  This TBI Advocacy Project began in November 2014 and was completed in May 2015. It involved heavy research.

All of these Bridge participants are outpatients and affected TBI.  They entitled the board project as "Understanding TBI."  Keep revisiting this blog to see posts that feature sections of the project. Ultimately, you will see the entire TBI Advocacy Project board.  

These industrious Bridge participants look forward to hearing — and learning about —your reactions to their TBI Advocacy Project. 

By 2014–2015 Class of Bridge Program at Mount Sinai Hospital Rehab Center

Understanding TBI | Get Hip To These Top 10 Myths About TBI (Part 3 of 3)

An Advocacy Project
By 2014–2015 Class of Bridge Program at Mount Sinai Hospital Rehab Center

NEW YORK CITY — Participants of the 2014–2015 Bridge Program at Mount Sinai Hospital's Rehabilitation Center were given the task of creating and producing an Advocacy Project that would raise the public's awareness of TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury).

Since these participants are affected by TBI, they put their heads together to come up with a board presentation that would be featured on the Rehab Center's hallway, which is located at 5 East 102nd Street in East Harlem.  This TBI Advocacy Project began in November 2014 and was completed in May 2015. It involved heavy research.

All of these Bridge participants are outpatients and affected TBI.  They entitled the board project as "Understanding TBI."  Keep revisiting this blog to see posts that feature sections of the project. Ultimately, you will see the entire TBI Advocacy Project board.  

These industrious Bridge participants look forward to hearing — and learning about —your reactions to their TBI Advocacy Project. 

By 2014–2015 Class of Bridge Program at Mount Sinai Hospital Rehab Center

Understanding TBI | What Is Traumatic Brain Injury?

An Advocacy Project

By 2014–2015 Class of Bridge Program at Mount Sinai Hospital Rehab Center


NEW YORK CITY — Participants of the 2014–2015 Bridge Program at Mount Sinai Hospital's Rehabilitation Center were given the task of creating and producing an Advocacy Project that would raise the public's awareness of TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury).

Since these participants are affected by TBI, they put their heads together to come up with a board presentation that would be featured on the Rehab Center's hallway, which is located at 5 East 102nd Street in East Harlem.  This TBI Advocacy Project began in November 2014 and was completed in May 2015. It involved heavy research.

All of these Bridge participants are outpatients and affected TBI.  They entitled the board project as "Understanding TBI."  Keep revisiting this blog to see posts that feature sections of the project. Ultimately, you will see the entire TBI Advocacy Project board.  

These industrious Bridge participants look forward to hearing — and learning about —your reactions to their TBI Advocacy Project. 

*****

TBI or Traumatic Brain Injury  —  It is a form of acquired brain injury which occurs when sudden TRAUMA causes damage to the brain.

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES can be open or closed head injury.

• Open head injuries: These injuries result when an object penetrates the skull/ enters the brain and causes damage to specific areas. (i.e., a bullet enters the brain)
• Closed head injuries: These injuries result from a blow to the head. There is no penetration of the skull (i.e., if your head strikes against the dashboard in a car accident) 

New York City Disability Pride Parade Set to Run July 12

NEW YORK CITY — A new festival is set to take place in July, a month after this June's Gay Pride festival: the Disability Pride NYC Parade.

On July 12, 2015 the Disability Pride NYC Parade will take place from Madison Square Park and proceed down Broadway to Union Square Park. Formation starts at 10:00 am. The Parade begins at 12 noon.

The day will be a celebration of people with disabilities and all they have accomplished both prior to the passage of the ADA 25 years ago and all the civil rights activity that lead up to it. 

The parade will end at Union Square Park where the celebration will culminate with entertainment. 

Parade organizers say, "We look forward to a great celebration with musicians, elected officials, celebrities and people from all over the city and the world."

For further details, visit the Parade website at http://disabilitypridenyc.com.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the ADA.

Come to a New TBI Support Group at Mount Sinai Hospital

NEW YORK CITY — Young people who have experienced brain injury may now participate in a new support group at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.

"For too long we have all been separated with no one who understands what our existences are like," says the organizers of this new support group. "Being different is a challenge that we all have to live with.  How about we take a break from that and come together in an environment where no one is different?"

Are you interested in participating on the 4th Thursday of every month from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm?  If so, check out the flyer posted below.

See you there!

— 2014–2015 Bridge Program members