Cardiovascular Health after Traumatic Brain Injury

Friday, February 20, 2026

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM AST

Location: 103 AB

Course Director(s)

Shanti M. Pinto, MD, MSCS (she/her/hers)

Assistant Professor
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital

Faculty(s)

Bhaskar Thakur, PhD (he/him/his)

Assistant Professor
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Simon Driver, PhD (he/him/his)

Director
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital

Brief Session Description : Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been increasingly recognized as a chronic condition with widespread effects on health and function throughout the lifespan. Emerging evidence suggests that individuals with TBI are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, regardless of injury severity. This symposium will highlight our ongoing research on the intersection of cardiovascular health and TBI. We will discuss the impact of cardiovascular health on brain health, explain why individuals with TBI face the heightened risk for cardiovascular disease and mortality, and share information about the effectiveness of a novel lifestyle intervention to enhance cardiovascular health after TBI.