The public health care system in Brazil is similar that of many other countries: it is run by the Ministry of Health, which distributes federal health funding to state and municipal governments, which in turn administer these financial resources according to the needs of its populations. Brazil also has a parallel private health care system, distinct from the public one that dispenses services at a cost. [full story]

Professionals of numerous medical as well as health care subspecialties are often called upon to provide expert opinions in the context of litigation. Those providing medical-legal opinions may either be called due to their role as a treater of a patient involved in litigation or retained to provide so called “expert witness” testimony because these specialists are recognized as experts in a specific area (even though they may not have treated a patient involved in litigation). In either case, the role of the testifying professional is very important in helping decision makers or triers of fact identify and appreciate the truth in order to achieve just resolution of the contested issue(s). [full story]

Quality of life can be elusive and complicated for all individuals and can be dramatically so for people with traumatic brain injury who are globally challenged. Physical prowess, cognitive functioning, family, friends, sexuality, employment and hope are among the markers of a quality of life that may be jeopardized or lost for many with TBI. These losses and/or perceived losses combined with a lowered threshold for mediating one’s emotional state, commonly give rise to demonstrations of anger and hostility. This article is intended to provide the reader with an alternative therapeutic strategy to address these behaviors which interfere with a quality of life. If my life has no meaning or value, then I will behave in a way to cause your life to be void of meaning and value as well. When this statement was first shared with me I was struck by its profound implication relative to a variety of quality of life issues affecting many people with TBI. It was immediately evident that for a significant percentage of people with TBI, especially those requiring pervasive supports, that their life lacks meaning – diminished of value. [full story]

In order to keep IBIA members apprised of current brain injury literature, NTL editors and editorial board members have prepared a list of recently published articles that may be of interest. [full story]