TBI Workshop

• Neuro-Rehab Workshop a Hit in Mumbai

Two hundred of the best physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and neuro-psychologists from Mumbai, Delhi and the United States gathered at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospitals and Research Centre, in Mumbai, for a crucial one-day Neuro-Rehab workshop, on 19th June. Interest was so great that the event, coordinated by Dr. Abhishek Srivastava MD, head of Neuro-Rehabilitation at the Kokilaben Ambani Hospital, was forced to turn away scores of additional registrants.

His Highness Gajsingh II of Marwar-Jodhpur, opened the program with an eloquent and poignant speech about how he started the Indian Head Injury Foundation (IHIF) after his son fell victim to a serious head injury while playing polo. He expressed his amazement that the benefits of Neuro-Rehab, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, have continued to effect his son’s recovery years after his injury. Dr Rajendra Prasad, the Honorary Honorary Executive Director of IHIF, opened the workshop with a compelling presentation on the state of Traumatic Brain Injury in India. He spoke to the desperate need for education, which was the goal of the workshop and continues to be the mission of IHIF.

Skype was used to videoconference with Dr Steven Flanagan, Chairman of New York University’s Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, following the broadcast of his podcast to the audience. A similar Skype format was utilized to run an American podcast concerning the benefits of music therapy for neuro-disabled patients.

Many attendees agreed that the remarks given by a victim of TBI and another patient’s father were the most touching and informative parts of the day-long workshop. The experiences they recounted emphasized the importance of Neuro-Rehabilitation and the benefits of a close relationship between fami

ly members and therapists. Other notable speeches included those made by host Dr Srivastava and Dr Urvashi Shah Neuro, a psychologist from Bombay Hospital.

The workshop was appreciated by everyone who was involved. In particular, it gave the attendees an opportunity to network with others who are interested in the up-and-coming field of Neuro-Rehabilitation.

The names of faculty and topics are given below: