About Brain Injury
Brain Injury Basics The brain controls everything we say, do, think, and feel. It keeps us alive through breathing, circulation, digestion, hormones, and the immune system. Through the brain, we experience emotion and express ourselves. A brain injury may produce an altered or diminished state of consciousness and result in an impairment of cognitive abilities or physical functioning. It can also result in the disturbance of behavioral or emotional functioning. These impairments may be temporary or permanent and cause partial or total functional disability. NJ Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Fund The NJ TBI Fund, a Division of Disability Services program, provides New Jersey residents of any age who have survived a traumatic brain injury the opportunity to access the brain injury related services and supports they need to live in the community. Click here for more information. EMAIL US FOR INFO Types of Brain Injury A brain injury is an injury to the brain that occurs after birth and is not congenital, degenerative or hereditary. The injury results in a change of the brain’s neuronal activity. There are two types of brain injury: Traumatic Brain Injury and Acquired Brain Injury. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) A TBI is caused by an external factor such as a bump, blow or jolt to the head, that disrupts the normal function of the brain. TBI can be defined as closed (non-penetrating) or open (penetrating). The severity of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may range from “mild” (i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness) to “severe” (i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury). Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) ABI is an injury to the brain that is not hereditary, congenital, degenerative, or induced by birth trauma. This type of injury is one that has occurred after birth. ABI can result in cognitive, physical, emotional or behavioral impairments that may lead to permanent or temporary changes in functioning. RUTGERS BRAIN INJURY PRIMER COURSE This course is for regular and special education teachers, school psychologists, social workers, guidance counselors, principals, speech and language pathologists and other professionals who work with students with brain injuries. Learn more and register today. Causes of Brain Injury Causes of Traumatic Brain InjuryCauses of Acquired Brain InjuryCauses of Traumatic Brain Injury Falls Assaults Motor Vehicle Crashes Sports/Recreation Injuries Abusive Head Trauma (Shaken Baby Syndrome) Gunshot Wounds Workplace Injuries Child Abuse Domestic Violence Military Actions (Blast Injury) Causes of Acquired Brain Injury Stroke (Hemorrhage, Blood Clot) Infectious Disease Meningitis Encephalitis Seizure Electric Shock Tumors Metabolic Disorders Neurotoxic Poisoning (Carbon Monoxide, Lead Exposure) Lack of Oxygen (Drowning, Choking, Hypoxic/Anoxic Injury) Drug Overdose LOOKING FOR A SUPPORT GROUP? We have both virtual and in-person support groups for you and your family members. REGISTER TODAY Possible Effects of Brain Injury A brain injury can cause a wide range of short or long-term changes: Thinking (i.e., memory and reasoning) Sensation (i.e., touch, taste, and smell) Language (i.e., communication, expression, and understanding); and Emotion (i.e., depression, anxiety, personality changes, aggression, acting out, and social inappropriateness) Physical (i.e, seizures, muscle spasticity, fatigue, headaches, balance problems, and more) Some people with brain injury experience mild [...]
Resources
We're here to help. Whether you have a brain injury or concussion, are a caregiver or a professional, we have many resources available for you. If you're in need of further assistance, please give our helpline a call at 732-783-6172. Brain InjuryCaregiversProfessionalsConcussion/Sports ConcussionResearch BlogBrain Injury HELPFUL ARTICLES Domestic Violence: What Survivors Need to Know Alcohol Use Social Skills Emotional Problems Relationships Balance Problems Headaches Seizures Vision Problems Spasticity Sleep Loss of Taste and Smell Returning to School FACT SHEETS Free and Low Cost Legal Services in NJ Housing Info Guide Sources of Funding Questions to Ask Before Choosing Outpatient Rehabilitation Home Care Guide Questions to Consider Before Discharge Preparing for Your Doctor Visits Fatigue Transportation for People with Brain Injury No IEPs in College Healing Your Marriage After Brain Injury Wellness After Brain Injury VIDEOS The ABLE Act Falls and Prevention Introduction to Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income Neurofatigue: The Tired Brain and How to Manage It Mental Wellness in the Time of COVID-19 and Beyond The Role of Medical Nutrition Therapy Following Traumatic Brain Injury Learning Travel Skills to Lead to Independent Mobility in the Community Persuasion: A Cornerstone of Effective Advocacy Brain Aneurysms – A Comprehensive Guide for Patients Sex and Intimacy After TBI Nutrition and the Brain Made Simple Protecting Yourself and Your Family with NJ Auto Insurance Relationships Assistive Technology for People with Brain Injuries Caregivers HELPFUL ARTICLES Returning to School FACT SHEETS Caregiving and Ambiguous Loss Healing Your Marriage After Brain Injury Making Life Work After Brain Injury – English Making Life Work After Brain Injury – Spanish Paying the Bills Take Care of Yourself Acute Brain Injury Guide First Few Days Selecting a Rehabilitation Facility Questions to Consider Before Discharge Sources of Funding Questions to Ask Before Choosing Outpatient Rehabilitation Free and Low Cost Legal Services in NJ Housing Information Sheet Home Care Guide Preparing For Your Doctor Visits Power of Attorney and Guardianship Helping Your Family Member Live Independently No IEPs in College A Parent’s Guide to Concussion A Parent’s Guide to Concussion – Spanish VIDEOS Loss and Grief Following Brain Injury Caring for Caregivers Persuasion: A Cornerstone of Effective Advocacy Discharged from Rehab, Now What? IEP Strategies for the Student that has Sustained a Brain Injury Pediatric Brain Injury Relationships Protecting Yourself and Your Family with NJ Auto Insurance Professionals FACT SHEETS Coach’s Pocket Card Domestic Violence: What Professionals Need to Know Concussion in the Classroom Introduction to Brain Injury & Mental Health Executive Dysfunction in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Craniosacral Therapy and Brain Injury: A Pathway to Healing Impact of End Stage Renal Disease on Outcomes of Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury at Acute Rehabilitation Discharge The NIDILRR-sponsored TBI Model System Program Epilepsy After Brain Injury Prism Adaptation Treatment for Improving Function Vision and Functional Movements in Patients with Spatial Neglect Sources of Funding VIDEOS August 2022 Webinar: Back-to-School Update - Athlete Brain Health and Concussion New Approaches to Diagnosing and Treating Cognitive and Neurobehavioral Problems in Patients with TBI Neurosurgical Management of Brain Aneurysms Applying an Integrated Approach to Managing the Behavioral Consequences of Emergencies Neurofatigue: The Tired [...]
Legislative Advocacy
Voices Advancing the Brain Injury Community BIANJ strives to fulfill the vision of a world where all individuals with brain injury and their caregivers maximize their quality of life, the consequences of all unavoidable brain injuries are minimized, and all preventable brain injuries are prevented. The Voices Advancing the Brain Injury Community (formerly known as the Council for the Head Injury Community) champions and publicizes the advocacy, rights, and needs of people who have sustained a brain injury, and their families. Do you want your voice heard? Join today! Fill out our contact form or contact us directly at 732-745-0200 or tgrady@bianj.org. By joining the Voices Advancing the Brain Injury Community you can: Make your voice heard Define your elected officials and their contact information Discuss your views on brain injury public policies Stay updated on brain injury bills and legislature Learn more about the legislative process Become a stronger brain injury advocate Need an ID Card? Download BIANJ’s Brain Injury ID Card to keep on hand in emergencies. DOWNLOAD YOUR ID CARD How can I get my voice heard? Attend a MeetingLegislative AgendaSign up for our email newsletterSign Our PetitionAttend a Meeting Our Brain Injury Advocates Group meets monthly. Join Us! All meetings are virtual at 10:00 AM unless otherwise noted. For more information, please contact Tom Grady at 732-745-0200 or email tgrady@bianj.org. REGISTER NOWLegislative Agenda Bill: A276 Sponsors: Umba (R8); Calabrese (D36); McKnight (D31) +1 Summary: Facilitates identification of municipal liens on residential property of certain seniors and disabled persons. Subjects: Human Services-Disabled; Property; Senior Citizens Bill: A351 Sponsors: Dunn (R25) +7 Summary: Requires Division of Developmental Disabilities, during public health emergency, to develop guidance for in‑person visitation at community‑based residential settings for individuals with developmental disabilities and require providers to allow such visit Subjects: Human Services; Human Services-Developmental Disabilities Bill: A357 Sponsors: Dunn (R25) +3 Summary: Requires Adjutant General of DMVA create program for veterans to receive evaluation and treatment for PTSD and total brain injury. Subjects: Health; Human Services-Mental Health; Veterans And Military Bill: A468 Sponsors: Murphy (D7); McKnight (D31) +9 Summary: Requires State agencies to make their websites accessible to people with disabilities and on mobile devices. Subjects: Communications-Internet; Human Services-Disabled; State Government-Departments And Agencies Bill: A479 Sponsors: Murphy (D7); Moen (D5); Umba (R8) +3 Summary: Allows corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to businesses employing certain persons with developmental disabilities. Subjects: Corporations; Human Services-Developmental Disabilities; Taxation-Business Taxes; Taxation-Personal Income Tax Bill: A517 Sponsors: Freiman (D16); Lopez (D19); Murphy (D7) +1 Summary: Authorizes use of disability benefits for transportation provided by transportation network companies. Subjects: Labor-Temporary Disability; Transportation-Public Transit Bill: A518 Aca (1R) Sponsors: Freiman (D16); Conaway (D7); Benson (D14) +2 Summary: Expands purpose of Traumatic Brain Injury Fund to support transportation costs incurred by eligible individuals in accessing support group meetings. Subjects: Human Services-Disabled; Transportation Bill: A962 Sponsors: DiMaio (R23); Tucker (D28) +15 Summary: Exempts disabled veterans from certain fees at State parks and forests. Subjects: Environment-Parks, Forests And Open Space; Human Services-Disabled; Veterans And Military Bill: A1032 Sponsors: Webber (R26) +9 Summary: Allows gross income [...]
David Gealt, DO
David B. Gealt, DO, a South Jersey native, is the Assistant Director of Sports Medicine and Director of the Sports Concussion Program at Cooper Bone and Joint Institute, Cooper University Health System. He is an Assistant Professor of Cooper Medical School at Rowan University and and Assistant Professor of Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. He received his fellowship training in Primary Care Sports Medicine at the University Hospital Health Systems in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Gealt completed his residency in family medicine from UMDNJ-SOM newly named Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine and is board-certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. Dr. Gealt specializes in medical orthopaedics, sports medicine and concussion medicine. He lectures nationally and regionally on various sports medicine topics. He has both authored publications in peer reviewed journals and has contributed to sports medicine textbooks. He serves as team physician for Rowan University, Haverford College, Rutgers Camden and various high schools throughout Southern New Jersey. He served as the team physician for the Philadelphia Wings Professional Indoor Lacrosse team. He recently had the opportunity to be a team physician for USA Olympics at the Olympic training facility in Colorado Springs. Dr. Gealt is an active member of the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, and American Osteopathic Association, as well as various state and local medical societies. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees and the Sports Concussion Committee for the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey. He has been named Top Doc and Top Doc for Kids in Sports Medicine in SJ Magazine. He is an avid runner who participates in several road races each year. Dr. Gealt resides in Voorhees, NJ with his wife, son and daughter.
Jenna Tucker, PT, DPT
Jenna Tucker, PT, DPT, NCS, CBIS earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy, with a minor in psychology, from Northeastern University in 2011 including clinical rotations at Spaulding Rehabilitation in Boston and Burke Rehabilitation in White Plains. She began her career at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange in 2011, during which time she became a Certified Brain Injury Specialist. In 2014, she obtained her designation as a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy. She went on to take a position at Rehabilitation Specialists, where she expanded her clinical experience to include outpatient rehabilitation for adults with brain injury. In 2019, she joined the Department of Physical Therapy at Kean University as a Clinical Assistant Professor, where she serves as the department’s Neurologic Content Coordinator. Dr. Tucker’s research focuses on brain injury and concussion rehabilitation, as well as examination/treatment of dysautonomia, and her speaking experience includes symposia, workshops, platform and poster presentations at state-wide and national conferences. Dr. Tucker has been a participant/fundraiser for the BIANJ Walk for Brain Injury Awareness since 2011 and continues to serve as the captain of ‘Team Tucker’ with an ongoing goal of promoting increased student involvement in the walk. She has been a member of the BIANJ Education committee since 2019 and continues to be actively involved. She has presented multiple workshops and mentored 20+ students in the submission of poster presentations at the BIANJ Annual Professional Seminar. Dr. Tucker was recognized by the Brain Injury Alliance of NJ as the 2023 recipient of the Jill Shulman Community Pillar Award.
Careers with us
Make a difference in the lives of people with brain injury. The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey is on a mission to improve the quality of life for anyone impacted by brain injury by providing support, advocacy, and information, while promoting brain injury prevention. At BIANJ, we're committed to supporting our employees' well-being, both professionally and personally. That's why we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to empower you to thrive. Here's a glimpse of what awaits you: Secure Your Future: Plan for your retirement with our robust 401(k) plan, and watch your savings grow even faster with our generous 401(k) matching contributions! It's like getting free money for your future self! Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Your health is a priority. We've got you covered with a range of top-notch health insurance options, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, so you can choose the plan that best suits your needs. Plus, our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential support and resources for life's challenges, ensuring you have the help you need, when you need it. Recharge and Reconnect: We value work-life balance and understand the importance of taking time to recharge. Enjoy generous paid time off (PTO) to relax, explore, spend time with loved ones, or simply take a well-deserved break. It's your time to use as you wish! A Brighter Future, Together: We believe in investing in our employees' overall well-being. Our comprehensive benefits package is just one way we demonstrate our commitment to creating a supportive and rewarding work environment. Don't meet every qualification? Apply anyway! We believe that diverse backgrounds and experiences strengthen our team. If you're passionate about making a difference and possess a strong work ethic, we encourage you to submit your application. We're looking for individuals with the potential to grow and thrive with BIANJ. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of those affected by brain injury! CURRENT AVAILABLE POSITIONS COMMUNITY OUTREACH SPECIALIST Do you have a passion for making a real impact in people's lives? The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey (BIANJ) is seeking a dynamic and compassionate Community Outreach Specialist to champion our mission in Northern New Jersey. If you're a resourceful, organized, and positive individual with a knack for connecting with diverse communities, we want to hear from you! About the Role: As a Community Outreach Specialist, you'll be a vital part of our team, driving statewide initiatives to raise awareness about brain injury, provide crucial education, and promote prevention strategies. This role offers the opportunity to: Empower communities: Lead impactful outreach programs and connect with individuals and organizations across Northern New Jersey. Make a tangible difference: Educate the public about brain injury, concussion, and related issues, empowering them with knowledge and resources. Develop your skills: Gain experience in program planning, event coordination, workshop facilitation, and community engagement. Collaborate with a passionate team: Join a dedicated group of professionals committed to supporting individuals affected by brain injury. Grow professionally: Contribute to a leading organization in the field of brain injury advocacy and support. Your Responsibilities Will Include: Conducting outreach and promoting brain injury awareness, education, and prevention initiatives [...]