Warning of a virtual epidemic in traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the United States, the author explains in layman's terms the causes of TBI, how it affects the brain, and ways of treating it. He offers a number of recommendations towards alleviating the problem, including increasing investment in basic and clinical research, redirecting research efforts towards a greater emphasis on rehabilitation, meshing broad federal guidelines with state latitude in instituting programs for providing and regulating brain injury-related services, and raising the driving age. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.
Read More
William Winslade presents facts about traumatic brain injury; information about its financial and emotional costs to individuals, families, and society; and key ethical and policy issues. He illustrates each aspect with dramatic case studies, including his own childhood brain injury. He explains how the brain works and how severe injuries affect it, both immediately and over the long term, pointing out how resources are often squandered on patients with poor prognoses but adequate insurance, while underinsured patients with better prognoses often do not receive the best care. He describes the lack of regulation in the rehabilitation industry and what federal and state legislatures are doing to correct the situation. And he recommends policy changes for lowering the instances of traumatic brain injury (such as raising the minimum driving age) as well as practical steps that individuals can take to protect themselves from brain trauma.William J. Winslade is James Wade Rockwell Professor of Philosophy in Medicine at the Institute for the Medical Humanities, professor of preventive medicine and community health, and professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. He is also Distinguished Visiting Professor of Law at the University of Houston Health Law and Policy Institute.
Read Less