About the Event
We are facing a crisis of epic proportions: Traumatic Brain Injuries (“TBIs”). TBIs severely impact members of the armed forces, veterans, first responders, and civilians. It is estimated 2.8 million Americans suffer TBIs annually, and 5.3 million Americans are living with TBI disabilities. In other words, 1 in 60 Americans (plus their families) are suffering the effects of a TBI at any given time. The costs are staggering: the annual financial cost of medical treatment is estimated to exceed $40 billion, and the human cost is beyond comprehension. The current approach to addressing TBIs leads to lost income, greatly reduced quality of life, homelessness, mental health issues, premature neurodegeneration, shortened life expectancy, suicide and much more.
Our current societal response, both medically and culturally, is woefully inadequate. Change is long overdue!
This symposium focuses on “mild Traumatic Brain Injuries,” known as mTBIs. The use of the word “mild” is misleading as it refers to diagnostic criteria, not severity; mTBIs can have severe effects. Current medical care consists of subjective cognitive assessments, with therapy to accept and adapt. This limiting approach deters patients and their loved ones from seeking treatments that may reduce and repair the effects of mTBIs.
Change is needed on two fronts. First, we must critically evaluate and update medical diagnosis and treatment. Second, we must implement policies that support and fund early intervention, and brain repair for those already suffering long-term mTBI effects.
We invite key military and community leaders and policy change-makers to join us, including veteran and SOF community leaders, mTBI experts, first responder leaders, legal community leaders, and legislators. Community members impacted by TBIs are also welcome.
Dr. Chris Slininger, a craniocervical specialist, will educate us on the sequence of injuries and degeneration that occurs following head impacts and concussive blast injuries, including the long term symptoms of mTBI in the brain, brainstem, neck, and gut. Understanding this medical piece explains why current practices are so inadequate, and informs what changes are needed. Our panel will discuss ideas for how to create change, and take questions. There will also be the opportunity for networking.
Registration is free. Food will be provided, thanks to our sponsors. A cash/card bar will be available. Please register early to reserve your seat as space is limited.
Statistics from the Brain Injury Association of America at biausa.org.
Speaker
Chris Slininger, DC, DCCJP
Craniocervical Specialist
Cerebral Chiropractic Center
Dr. Slininger is a craniocervical specialist in St. Petersburg, FL. His practice focuses heavily on complex neurological conditions and advanced spinal challenges such as mTBI, concussion, headaches, migraines, dizziness, vertigo, and more. He is the Executive Director of the Advanced Orthogonal Institute and teaches continuing education nationwide.
Sponsors
Agenda
| Time | Topic | Presenter |
|---|---|---|
| 5:00pm | Arrival & Networking | |
| 5:30pm | Introduction to Cervicogenic mTBI | Dr. Chris Slininger |
| 6:30pm | Dinner Served | |
| 7:00pm | Pathophysiological Cascade of mTBI | Dr. Chris Slininger |
| 9:00pm | End & Networking |
Location
This Month's Synapse Talks will be held at Bascom's Steakhouse located at 2599 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, Florida. We think you’ll agree, this historic site is a most-fitting location for our kick-off event to address a crisis that impacts so many of our service members, veterans and their loved ones.
Veterans of Foreign War Post 39
2599 Central Ave,
St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Registration
Registration is free.
Please fill out the form entirely to register. Enter the number of guests that are attending with you, or have them fill out a separate registration form.