On Thursday, September 11th, Dr. Dariusz Nasiek warmly welcomed colleagues and friends to his monthly educational and networking event at Osteria Italiana. The evening drew a wonderful turnout, fostering engaging conversations and professional connections. The event was generously sponsored by REDI Diagnostics, located in Elmwood Park, NJ. We were honored to have three outstanding speakers: Dr. Zyad Chaudhary, Dr. August Price, and Dr. Yalder Taher, who shared their expertise and insights with the attendees.
Dr. Chaudhary, Board-Certified Neurologist and fellowship-trained Pain Medicine specialist, led an engaging session on the neurological consequences of trauma, with a focus on concussions. He highlighted his work with patients referred after motor vehicle accidents, workers’ compensation cases, and slip and fall injuries.
The presentation covered common neurological injuries, including brain contusions, intracranial hemorrhages, and diffuse axonal injuries. Concussions, which affect 1.6–3.8 million people annually in the U.S., were discussed in detail. Evaluation often involves an ER visit and a CT scan to rule out serious complications such as hemorrhage or skull fractures.
Dr. Chaudhary outlined concussion symptoms—physical (headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, sensitivity to light/noise), cognitive (memory or concentration difficulties), and emotional (irritability, sadness). Risk factors for prolonged recovery include previous concussions, developmental conditions such as ADHD, and psychiatric history. He also highlighted red flag symptoms requiring immediate medical attention, including worsening headaches, seizures, confusion, limb weakness, repeated vomiting, and slurred speech.
Dr. August Price & Dr. Yalder Taher together expanded on this discussion. Dr. August Price is a licensed clinical neuropsychologist specializing in concussion management and behavioral health across the lifespan. He serves as the Concussion Program Director at Bellapianta Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in Montclair, NJ. Dr. Yaldar Taher is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at BonLeven Healthcare, a neurology clinic located in Maywood, New Jersey. Dr. Taher’s diverse background in sports medicine and physical rehabilitation contributes to BonLeven’s holistic approach to neurological health, integrating physical and neurological care to enhance patient outcomes.
Dr. Nasiek unveiled his new book, Brain Impact: Navigating Traumatic Brain Injury After Accidents (Expanded & Updated 2nd Edition), which is a concise, multidisciplinary guide to the “invisible” injury. It shows how TBIs are missed, what routine CT/MRI can’t see, and how advanced MRI with DTI and EEG/Video-EEG uncover hidden damage. Readers get practical self-assessments (including the HELP tool), rehabilitation checklists, and clear pathways for post-TBI mental-health care (depression, anxiety, PTSD)—with up-to-date coverage of Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) and ketamine infusion therapy. A legal/insurance section helps organize evidence and pursue needed care. For accident survivors, families, primary care and rehab clinicians, case managers, and injury attorneys. We thank everyone who attended for making the evening a success and look forward to continuing these educational gatherings. Our next event will be held on October 30th at the same location, Osteria Italiana.
