Welcome to the Introduction to Traumatic Brain Injury Module

In Module 1, participants will be provided with introductory information including what a TBI is, potential long term outcomes and compensatory strategies. Cultural competence and the impact of TBI on families will also be discussed.

Module 1 Objectives

After completing this module, you will have acquired knowledge about:

  • What a TBI is and how the brain is affected by different types of injuries
  • The significance of TBI in the USA and Massachusetts
  • The potential long-term impacts that brain injury has on the individual and family
  • How to interact effectively with individuals living with brain injury
  • How to recognize issues that may arise due to brain injury and strategies for working with individuals
  • Common physical, behavioral, and cognitive impairments and interaction strategies

About the Author

At the time of initial publication this course was based on original content developed by MPHI to serve the needs of older adults; this content was modified and enhanced by Dr. Brie Insalaco and Dr. Kathleen Shahrokhi. In 2023, the course content was revised and updated by Dr. Brie Insalaco to reflect current data, research, language, and best practices of the field.

Dr. Brie Insalaco is the Clinical Director and consulting neuropsychologist for the ABI/MFP Waiver and Statewide Head Injury Programs of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. As part of this role, Dr. Insalaco oversees an interdisciplinary team of medical consultants and provides clinical consultation for individuals with brain injuries and co-occurring medical and behavioral health conditions. She is also responsible for curriculum development for brain injury trainings to both state agencies and the public. Dr. Insalaco obtained her doctoral degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University and subsequently completed her internship and fellowship through the VA Boston Healthcare System/Harvard Medical School with dual specialization in geriatric neuropsychology and polytrauma services including TBI and PTSD. Specialty areas include sports concussions, stroke and vascular conditions, neurocognitive disorders and dual diagnoses including brain injury and behavioral health conditions.

Dr. Kathleen Shahrokhi a senior level clinician with over 30 years of experience in the field of neuropsychology. She has been a consultant to the Massachusetts Statewide Head Injury program for 20 years providing statewide trainings and clinical consultation to Program Coordinators whose consumers reside independently in the community. In the past she has participated in a grant focusing on outreach to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans who may have sustained a TBI while in the military. Dr. Shahrokhi has also worked in a Boston rehabilitation hospital seeing a broad spectrum of patients including TBI, stroke, dementia and dual diagnoses. She has presented at national and international conferences on TBI in the elderly and behavioral manifestations of dementia.