Blog
Study identifies drug that reverses “neuronal and cognitive effects” of concussion in mice
A study has identified a promising approach to treating cognitive deficits after a concussion, by inhibiting the integrated stress response.
Not just for student-athletes anymore. Why an official Return-to-Learn (RTL) protocol is necessary for all college students
Developing and implementing an age-appropriate concussion return-to-learn (RTL) program for college students is an under-studied area in research. Through interviews with students and academic stakeholders, a study identified that, while college students felt supported by their instructors, academic faculty lacked the information on appropriate academic supports and pathways to facilitate an RTL process for the student.
Struggling with depression? Call for study participants–service members & veterans
Service members and veterans with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (including concussion) and struggling with symptoms of depression may want to participate in a clinical trial of a cognitive behavioral app designed specifically for the military community.
Concussion expert Dr. Paul McCrory’s pattern of publication misconduct
The British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM) recently retracted nine more articles published by renowned concussion expert Dr. Paul McCrory. The nine retractions include five cases of plagiarism, three cases of redundant publication, and one case of misquotation.
Female high school athletes who are more specialized are five times more likely to have a history of concussion
A study found that female high school athletes who were highly specialized in their athletic pursuits were five times more likely to have a history of concussion compared to female high school athletes who were less specialized in their athletic pursuits.
Synthetic fields: are they adding to concussion risk?
Ian K. Chun found that turf fields result in impact deceleration “as much as 23 g higher on artificial grass compared to natural surfaces.” The higher g forces may translate “to a theoretical increased risk of concussion due to contact with playing surfaces,” according to Chun.
Increased number and severity of concussion symptoms related to preexisting mental health conditions
A study published in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine found that self-reported preexisting mental health conditions were associated with a higher number and severity of concussion-related symptoms as identified in an initial Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-5th Edition concussion assessment.
Do cooler heads prevail? A study using the PolarCap System shows cooling treatment results in shorter recovery time
A clinical trial published in the Journal of Neurotrauma found that Swedish male elite ice hockey players using the PolarCap System immediately following a sports-related concussion returned to play significantly sooner.
Nutrition “may play a positive role” but research not yet able to give specific recommendations
The study authors conclude, “Our findings suggest that nutrition plays a positive role during acute mTBI recovery. Specific evidence clearly supporting the use of any particular nutraceutical remains slim, even with the promising reports about omega-3 fatty acid supplements or vitamin D repletion.
Goldilocks effect: screen time in moderation after concussion may be “just right”
A study found that very low and very high screen time predicted more severe postconcussion symptoms in the first 30 days post-injury. However, this association was no longer present once patients were more than 30 days out from their injury.
Neuroscientist breaks down misconceptions about concussions
Neuroscientist Richard Sima has written a terrific article for the Washington Post explaining what concussions are–and the serious nature of these mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI).
Interview with RJ: his experience with light therapy for symptoms of repetitive head impacts and potential CTE
In an interview, RJ discusses his potential CTE and his positive experience as a participant in a University of Utah photobiomodulation (light therapy) study. RJ played high school and college football, experiencing repetitive head impacts and multiple concussions.
Allison Grossberg on Long-Covid and Brain Injury
In this interview, Allison Grossberg talks about her current study about long-Covid and its connection to brain injury. She discusses her personal history, the background of the study, a potential treatment option, the usefulness of biomarkers in long-Covid diagnosis and other applications, and the connections between long-Covid and concussions.
Concussion Alliance named Semifinalist in the BECU People Helping People Awards
Concussion Alliance has been named a Semifinalist in the BECU People Helping People Awards for the second year in a row. Boeing Employees’ Credit Union (BECU) describes this awards program as “an annual celebration of exceptional work within the communities we serve. We honor members and nonprofits that drive positive changes through service to others.”
Professional cyclist Lizzy Banks: “there’s not a book on how you treat concussion”
Cycling is the sport responsible for the highest number of concussion-related visits to emergency departments in the U.S. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of follow-through in terms of education about the injury and treatment options for cyclists. British 31-year-old professional cyclist Lizzy Banks can attest to the hardship of recovering from concussions in the biking community.
College athletes and service academy cadets with non-sports-related concussions have worse outcomes, more days lost to injury
A study found that college athletes who sustained non-sports-related concussions reported their injury at lower rates, had higher symptom severity, and had longer-lasting symptoms than those who has sports-related concussions.
Boston University finds links between brain disorders and football in older former Notre Dame players
A study found that former college football players are at “increased risk for degenerative brain diseases,” and reported cognitive impairment diagnoses, recurrent headaches, and cardiovascular disease at higher rates than an age-matched control group.
‘Medical Gaslighting’ of women and people of color, including for mTBI
A New York Times article discusses "Medical Gaslighting”, a term used to describe situations where patients are frustrated after “dismissive experiences with medical professionals.” The author notes a 2020 study finding that women receive less medical care following traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Graded cervical (neck) manual therapy may reduce risk of persistent symptoms for patients with neck pain
A study found that post-concussion neck symptoms were prevalent in patients experiencing acute and chronic symptoms following a concussion. Graded cervical manual therapy was found to “reduce time to symptom resolution and medical clearance.”
No significant reduction in relapse of symptoms due to premature Return to Learn
A study found a significant reduction in symptom relapse rates related to premature Return to Learn but not for Return to Play, indicating the need for more emphasis on implementing Return to Learn protocol.