Experts to debate mild traumatic brain injury

It has been widely reported in the media that mild traumatic brain injury/concussion can cause prolonged physical and cognitive symptoms, and potentially permanent brain damage in some individuals.

Within the scientific community, opinions differ regarding the effect of mild traumatic brain injury (i.e., mTBI, aka concussion) on cognitive function. Newer imaging methods (e.g., diffusion tensor imaging) have been cited as a more sensitive means of visualizing the structural injury imposed by mild concussions which have previously been invisible using conventional brain imaging techniques. The relative sensitivity of contemporary neuropsychological assessment tools has also been criticized as one reason that the functional impact of these mild injuries has been under-appreciated.

Drs. Erin Bigler and Grant Iverson, both highly respected and accomplished researchers in the field of mTBI, will discuss and debate issues in the diagnosis and clinical outcome of mild concussive injury.

Dr. Bigler is a professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience of Brigham Young University.

Dr. Iverson is Director of the Neuropsychology Outcome Assessment Laboratory at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School.

Two leading experts will debate the issue 6/26/2014 in New York City during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN).

The program (Current Controversies in Neuropsychology: The nature of the "I" in mTBI") will be hosted and moderated by Aaron Nelson, PhD, ABPP, past-president of the AACN.

Date/Time: 6/26/2014, 12-1:00 p.m. Drs. Bigler and Iverson will be available for interviews following the debate.

Location: Grand Hyatt, New York, 109 E 42nd Street, NY, NY.

Media: Please check in with Dr. Chris Morrison for further information and when you arrive (cell 516-514-7018; chris.morrison@nyumc.org).

Provided by Brigham Young University