The Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Model System Project at Carolinas Rehabilitation is one of 16 centers nationally funded through the Department of Education's National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). The TBI Model System includes a national database and collaborations that allow us to learn about long-term outcomes and problems facing individuals with TBI. The project follows individuals with TBI from the time of injury for a lifetime in an effort to improve TBI care through research. More than 7,000 individuals have been enrolled and data that spans beyond 15 years post-injury has been collected. 

The TBI Model System also makes it possible for persons with TBI to participate in local research studies that are important and relevant to them. Research conducted through the TBI Model System project at CR have studied such important brain injury-related issues as: family needs; depression; venous thromboembolism; changes over time; substance abuse outcome measurement; defining vocational rehabilitation treatments; gender differences; medical issues; predicting outcomes and quality of life; community services to assist families; personal digital assistant to increase function; post-acute therapy; cost, efficacy, and satisfaction; contracture management and outcomes for those who don't receive rehabilitation. 

A major focus of investigation has been on post-traumatic irritability. Post-traumatic irritability is a significant long-term problem in patients with TBI. Current investigations on irritiability include two randomized, double-blind, controlled drug studies of carbamazepine and amantadine hydrochloride to ascertain whether these medications can reduce the frequency and severity of irritability and alleviate caregiver distress. CR is also studying irritability through a Participatory Action Research Approach. This study actively involves individuals with TBI and their families in a rigorous effort to decipher the complex traits of irritability. It is expected that the findings from this study will lead to a better understanding of the triggers and progression of irritability in order to develop more effective treatment plans. 

The Carolinas TBI Model System Project is designed to provide education to our consumers with brain injury and local and national providers to improve care for individuals with brain injury. 

Project Director: Flora Hammond, MD

Additional Information

Model System Knowledge Translation Center (MKSTC)- MKSTC is a national center that works to put research into practice to serve the needs of people with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and burn injuries.

TBI Consumer Information Factsheets- This website contains a list of all factsheets related to traumatic brain injury.