Understanding Brain Injuries: The Neuroscience Behind Concussion Claims

Course Description

This course explores the role of neuroscience in proving mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) claims and establishing causation in litigation. Participants will examine the distinctions between neurology, psychology, and neuroscience, and how each discipline contributes to the understanding of brain injuries. The program will discuss the use of brain imaging and other neuroscientific evidence to evaluate injury and its long-term effects. Attorneys will gain practical insight into how neuroscience can strengthen the presentation of mTBI cases and support damages claims.

Principles

• Foundations of Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)
• Diagnostic Tools and Brain Imaging
• Long-Term Effects and Damages

Syllabus

1. Foundations of Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)
   • Nature of concussion and mild TBI versus other traumatic brain injuries
   • Relevant brain anatomy
   • Mechanism of concussion injury to the brain’s white matter and its impact on brain connectivity
   • Functional consequences of disrupted brain connectivity
2. Diagnostic Tools and Brain Imaging
   • Modes of detecting concussive brain injury
   • MRI and Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging (SWI)
   • Volumetric brain studies
   • Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)
   • Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans
   • Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG)
3. Long-Term Effects and Damages
   • Anatomical mechanisms of long-term brain deterioration and functional decline
   • Special damages and legal consequences associated with long-term neurological impairment