Brain Injury & Sports Neurology Center

Your support improves the lives of patients suffering from concussions and brain injuries.

Donate to Brain Injury Care, Research, and Outreach

The Brain Injury & Sports Neurology Center at Barrow Neurological Institute is dedicated to providing comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Center’s Domestic Violence Brain Injury Program is the first of its kind in the nation to address TBI in survivors of domestic violence. It is also a national leader in concussion education and outreach for youth athletes and offers a Sports Neurology & Traumatic Brain Injury Fellowship.

You Help Increase Access to Care for Underserved Populations

Close to 90% of survivors of domestic violence have suffered head, face, and neck injuries, often repeatedly over a long period. This type of injury can lead to significant physical and emotional impairments, which makes it difficult to hold a job, secure housing, and live independently.

Thanks to the generosity of Barrow Neurological Foundation donors, the Domestic Violence Brain Injury Program can provide survivors of domestic violence with comprehensive, compassionate brain injury care regardless of their ability to pay. The program partners with local shelters to offer initial TBI screenings.

Native American Neuroscience Health Equity Initiative

Neurologist Yvette Brown-Shirley, MD, is the director of the Barrow Native American Health Equity Initiative, which aims to provide culturally sensitive neurological care to Native American tribal communities throughout Arizona. In 2024, Dr. Brown-Shirley received a grant from the American Academy of Neurology for her project implementing baseline concussion protocol and culturally appropriate concussion education at a Navajo Nation high school. She is also working to bring other areas of neurological care to Native American tribal communities.

Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic

Barrow has established a monthly TBI clinic at St. Vincent de Paul in downtown Phoenix, which primarily serves uninsured patients, including the homeless population and survivors of domestic violence. This will help to fill a major gap in care for underserved populations with brain injuries.

Your Support, Their Stories

Grateful Barrow patients share how the concussion team helped them return to living a fulfilling life

This program will save someone’s life like mine. I am saved.

[Name Title]

Nearly every day for six years, Sarah had experienced horrific violence from her partner-turned-abuser, including being hit in the head over 120 times.

Your Donations Contribute to Life-Changing Concussion Education

Barrow Brainbook

This web-based concussion course is required for all Arizona Interscholastic League (AIA) student-athletes. With support from philanthropy, the Center released an updated version of Barrow Brainbook. In addition to educating students on concussion signs and symptoms, the new version focused on the importance of making a full recovery before returning to the playing field or classroom.

Second Opinion Telemedicine Platform

Certified athletic trainers and coaches can communicate with a Barrow neurologist to help assess an athlete’s injury. They can connect via a secure online portal in real time, right on the sidelines of a game.

Continuing Concussion Education

Barrow provides advanced education and training for certified coaches and athletic directors on concussion detection and prevention.

Sports Neurology & Traumatic Brain Injury Fellowship

In addition to extensive training in the diagnosis and management of sports-related and non-sports-related TBI, Barrow fellows have the opportunity to work alongside neurologists to provide sideline concussion coverage at games for several Arizona State University sports.

Discover More Programs

At Barrow Neurological Foundation, your donation is crucial in supporting three key areas: advanced patient care, curative research, and education for the next generation of neuroscientists. Learn more about how your donation impacts each of the areas we treat.