Abstract:
The TBI Model System of Mississippi (TBIMSM) is a collaborative project of Methodist Rehabilitation Center (MRC) and the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMC). Projects of the TBIMSM address the goals of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research Long-Range Plan and the New Freedom Initiative. The TBIMSM will collect data on persons with TBI for submission to the TBI Model Systems National Database and conduct 3 local research projects. One research project will be a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, (parallel-group) trial of a medication used to treat patients in the post-traumatic confusional state (PCS). Our clinical trial will provide important new guidance to clinicians treating these patients. A second research project will develop and conduct a trial of an intervention to improve the therapeutic alliances between persons with TBI and family members and post-acute brain injury rehabilitation (PABIR) programs. Therapeutic alliance is a major factor in outcome from treatment in PABIR programs. Our third research project will investigate the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation to improve characterization of motor disorders after TBI. This improved patient characterization which will lead to a trial of a new intervention to improve motor function after TBI. The TBIMSM will disseminate research findings to local and national consumers. Local dissemination projects will include: (1) a newsletter, (2) support groups, (3) the internet, (4) and workshops for persons with TBI, family, healthcare professionals and other. National dissemination projects will include: (1) presentation of findings at professional meetings, and (2) publication of findings in scholarly journals.

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