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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

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Clinical trials: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Acute Cognitive and Neurobehavioral Intervention: Efficacy Evaluation

Principal investigator:  Jeffrey S. Kreutzer, Ph.D.
Co-investigator(s):  Janet P. Niemeier, Ph.D.

Purpose:  To evaluate the efficacy of the First Steps intervention for improving neurobehavioral functioning, functional status and life satisfaction, and for increasing knowledge about TBI and compensatory strategies.

The First Steps program was developed to address the neurobehavioral and emotional concerns of survivors of TBI during the course of inpatient rehabilitation. Program format and content reflects clinical experience and extensive research review. Input from survivors, family members and rehabilitation staff trained in working with the TBI population has also helped shape the implementation protocol. The foundation of the protocol is a curriculum [Niemeier, J., Kreutzer, J., & Taylor, L. (2005). Acute cognitive and neurobehavioral intervention for individuals with acquired brain injury: Preliminary outcome data. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 15(2), 129-146.] The First Steps curriculum consists of 10 lessons and was developed to address the common needs, issues and concerns of TBI survivors admitted acutely for inpatient rehabilitation.

More information
Janet P. Niemeier, Ph.D., ABPP     
Phone: (804) 828 9867   
E-mail:   jniemeir@vcu.edu

Evaluation of an Intervention Model for Family Crisis and Support

Principal investigator:  Jeffrey S. Kreutzer, Ph.D.
Co-investigator(s): 

Purpose:  To evaluate the efficacy of a structured outpatient family intervention program (BIFI) on family members emotional well-being, life satisfaction, needs and family functioning, and to evaluate the impact of the BIFI on the emotional well-being, life satisfaction, functional independence, vocational status and neurobehavioral functioning of persons with acquired brain injury.

More information
Jennifer H. Marwitz, M.A.     
Phone: (804) 828-3704   
E-mail:   jhmarwit@vcu.edu

Evaluation of an intervention model for family crisis and support

Principal investigator:  Jeffrey S Kreutzer, PhD
Co-investigator(s): 

Purpose:  To evaluate the efficacy of a structured outpatient family intervention program (BIFI) on family members' emotional well being, life satisfaction, needs, and family functioning; and to evaluate the impact of the BIFI on the emotional well being, life satisfaction, functional independence, vocational status, and neurobehavioral functioning of persons with acquired brain injury

More information
Jennifer H Marwitz, MA     
Phone: (804) 828-3704   
E-mail:   jhmarwit@vcu.edu

Pharmacological Intervention in Depression After Traumatic Brain Injury

Principal investigator:  Jeffrey S. Kreutzer, Ph.D.
Co-investigator(s): 

Purpose:  To evaluate an antidepressant medication for the treatment of persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and major depressive disorder (M.D.D.). The study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of venlafaxine (a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, also known as Effexor).

More information
Jennifer H. Marwitz, M.A.     
Phone: (804) 828-3704   
E-mail:   jhmarwit@vcu.edu

Selegiline as a Treatment for Post-traumatic Cognitive Dysfunction

Principal investigator:  Jeffery Ericksen, M.D.
Co-investigator(s):  Jeffrey S. Kreutzer, Ph.D.

Purpose:  Double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate effectiveness of Selegiline in persons with acute mild-to-moderate brain injury.

More information
Lee Livingston, Psy.D.     
Phone: (804) 828-3706   
E-mail:   lalivingston@vcu.edu

The efficacy of familiar voice stimulation during coma recovery

Principal investigator:  Theresa Louise-Bender Pape, BS MA DrPH
Co-investigator(s):  Shane Mcnamee, MD

Purpose:  To determine whether familiar vocal stimulation, provided during coma recovery, improves outcomes for persons who are unconscious after severe TBI.

More information
Shane Mcnamee, MD     
Phone: (804) 675-5117   
E-mail:   shane.mcnamee@va.gov