National Data and Statistical Center

Carolinas Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Research System

The Carolinas Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Research System (CTBIRRS) is a comprehensive service delivery and research system serving individuals with TBI. The System begins with prevention and emergency medical services and extends through intensive care, acute care and comprehensive medical rehabilitation to long-term follow-up, community reintegration and vocational rehabilitation. The project is based on the solid integration of Carolinas Medical Center and Carolinas Rehabilitation with the community, serving over 270,000 North and South Carolina residents with TBI.

The proposed research focuses on the challenging problem of post-traumatic irritability (primary aim) and aggression (secondary aim) using a comprehensive, rigorous approach to generate and disseminate new knowledge on this high impact, pervasive, and under-studied problem that affects approximately 29-71% of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Our approach to understanding irritability entails a randomized, controlled study of the effect of carbamazepine on chronic TBI irritability and aggression. The current literature does not support Standards or Guidelines for the management of TBI irritability and aggression. The proposed systematic research on irritability and aggression addresses the critical gap in the evidence-based treatment of post-TBI behavioral issues by producing new scientific knowledge that contributes to standards of care in this area. In addressing this pervasive problem that impedes psychosocial functioning, the project undertakes the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research Long-Range Plan areas of “Health & Function” and “Full Access to Community Life.”