Online Resources Help Couples Navigate Relationships After Traumatic Brain Injury
Washington, D.C.—Free online resources to help couples deal with the challenges created when one of them suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are now available on the federally-funded Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) website to help both partners navigate changes in their relationship.
The Relationships After Traumatic Brain Injury hot topic module consists of a suite of resources, including videos, factsheets, and slideshows to support productive relationships, and it addresses issues such as emotions and sexuality. One focus of this national Center is to make TBI research findings meaningful and useful to the public.
“Each year, over 1.5 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury,” said Cynthia Overton, Ph.D., co-director of the MSKTC and senior researcher with the American Institutes for Research (AIR). “Those who experience traumatic brain injury range from veterans and athletes, to accident victims and others. Our resources are designed to appeal to a broad audience of individuals who have a brain injury or a partner with the injury.”
The featured video and brief video clips demonstrate the impact of traumatic brain injury on a couple’s relationship. In the video, Hugh and Rosemary Rawlins share how they worked with TBI Model Systems’ researchers to face challenges after Hugh experienced a traumatic brain injury.
“Clinical researchers are beginning to understand how traumatic brain injury can take a tremendous toll on couples’ relationships,” said Dr. Jeffrey Kreutzer, principal investigator of the Virginia Commonwealth Traumatic Brain Injury Model System. “The Relationships After Traumatic Brain Injury hot topic module was created to help couples successfully face new challenges, and to reformulate and re-energize their relationship after TBI.”
All resources in the hot topic module are based on TBI Model Systems research. The TBI Model Systems are funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) and provide the highest level of comprehensive and multidisciplinary care, including emergency medical, acute medical and post-acute services. In addition to providing direct services, these Centers play a pivotal role in building a national capacity for high-quality treatment and research serving persons with TBI, their families, and their communities.
The MSKTC, which developed the Relationships After Traumatic Brain Injury hot topic module, is operated by AIR in collaboration with WETA/BrainLine and George Mason University under a grant from NIDRR.
“With knowledge and commitment, couples can maintain strong relationships after one experiences a traumatic brain injury,” said Dr. Kreutzer. “The Relationships After Traumatic Brain Injury hot topic module is an excellent resource, promoting understanding, resilience, and mutual support.”
Visit http://www.msktc.org/tbi/Hot-Topics/Relationships to learn more, or contact msktc@air.org.
About the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center
The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) is a national Center that supports the Model Systems programs in meeting the information needs of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and burn injury by summarizing research, identifying health information needs, and developing and disseminating information resources. The MSKTC is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). Model Systems are funded by NIDRR to conduct innovative and high-quality research, provide patient care, and offer services to improve the health and overall quality of life of individuals with SCI, TBI, and burn injury. For more information, visit www.MSKTC.org.