Blog
Compared to men, women have significantly greater risk of depression after concussion or TBI
According to a news release by the American Society of Anesthesiologists, women are significantly more likely to experience depression following a concussion or other traumatic brain injury (TBI) when compared to men.
Novel hand-held eye (retina) scanning device measures biomarkers and accurately identifies brain injury in pig eyes
A recent study reported results on a handheld device, tested on a pig model, that can scan the retina of the eye to detect biochemical markers produced by the brain immediately after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
Physical activity is as good or slightly better than medication and psychotherapy for managing mental health issues; high-intensity exercise is even better
An article highlighted the effectiveness and significant benefits of physical activity when utilized as an intervention for a range of mental health issues, specifically in managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress in adults.
Athletes with comorbid depression and anxiety and no recent concussion report more post-concussion symptoms than “healthy mood” athletes who are two weeks post-concussion
Scientists have found that athletes with baseline comorbid depression and anxiety reported more symptoms on the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale, without having a recent concussion, than the post-concussion athletes who had a healthy mood at baseline.
Study finds that concussion increases odds of poor mental health and suicidal behaviors in adolescents
A study conducted by Jacob Kay et al. found that male and female teenagers who reported a history of concussion in the last year were at greater risk of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts than those who had not sustained a concussion in the previous year.
Connections between intimate partner violence, traumatic brain injury, and neurological disease–but not CTE
A recent study of the brains of 84 deceased women who experienced intimate partner violence found that the brains consistently showed signs of traumatic brain injury but that none met the criteria for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Brain injury associated with US Military training weapons
In a recent New York Times report, Dave Phillips brought attention to abundant evidence indicating that brain injuries and “serious and lasting harm” in veterans are related to their exposure to repetitive blasts from weapons used in training.
Blood biomarkers detect reduced brain structure volume associated with repetitive head impacts in professional boxers and MMA fighters
A study in Neurology Advisor found that for active and retired professional fighters exposed to repetitive head impacts, blood plasma measurements of the biomarkers GFAP and NfL “may help identify those who are at risk for progressive regional brain atrophy and cognitive decline.”
Study finds marker of functional brain activity and vasculature more accurate than ImPACT testing
A study found that these measures of blood oxygen variability (measured with fMRI) are significantly better at detecting concussion in athletes than widely used computerized cognitive diagnostic testing (i.e., ImPACT)
Excellent overview of vision therapy for concussion
Vision therapy may be valuable for those suffering vision problems after a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Optometrist Maureen Oyaide-Ofenor explains the process of vision therapy in an article published in Optometry Times Journal.
Study Highlights the Importance of Delaying Return to Activities in Symptomatic Concussion Patients
A paper published in the Journal of Neurotrauma found that children with persistent symptoms had imaging “evidence of ongoing microstructural reorganization or neuroinflammation,” highlighting the importance of delaying a child’s return to play following a concussion if symptoms are persisting.
Medical Marijuana Might Have Benefits for PTSD Patients
A new pilot study from researchers Viddiparti et al. found that, over a 70-day period, medical marijuana use in 15 study participants significantly improved PTSD symptom severity and also produced a significant reduction in nightmares.
Heading in soccer has detrimental effects on microscopic brain tissue structure integrity
A recent study presented at the Radiological Society of North America found a significant decline in the microscopic structural integrity of brain tissue and a decline in verbal learning performance for young adult amateur soccer players who performed a high number of headers over two years.
Executive Dysfunction Unveiled: 7 Key Effects to Watch Out For After a Brain Injury
Most everyday tasks involve a type of thinking called executive function. These executive function skills are responsible for accomplishing tasks and problem-solving. When one experiences an injury to the brain, resulting executive dysfunction can make it challenging to navigate through everyday life.
Internship Alum Interview: Aamy Woldesenbet
Aamy Woldesenbet, an internship alum, said, "We were exposed to a bunch of literature and experiences as well, anecdotes from people who gave panels as well as fellow interns. I realized concussion has had a huge impact on people's lives." His interview was one in a series about how Concussion Alliance impacted interns' lives going forward.
Internship Alum Interview: Zachary Napora
Zachary Napora, an internship alum, said, "I had a long-term concussion, was looking for answers, and just stumbled upon the website and got a lot of help from Concussion Alliance. When I recovered, I went back on the website, saw they had an internship program and applied from there.” His interview was one in a series about how Concussion Alliance impacted interns' lives going forward.
Internship Alum Interviews: Arthur Onwumere
Arthur Onwumere, an internship alum, said, "It opened a lot of doors for me in terms of internships later on." His interview was one in a series about how Concussion Alliance impacted interns' lives going forward.
Internship Alum Interviews: Andy Pham
Andy Pham, an internship alum, said, "I think it was a great foundational step in moving forward as a future public health leader.” His interview was one in a series about how Concussion Alliance impacted interns' lives going forward.
Internship Alum Interviews: Amanda Cheney Zitting
Amanda Cheney Zitting, an internship alum, said, "The highlights were gaining a better knowledge and feeling more confident in my skill set, as well as my knowledge around concussion and mental health." Her interview was one in a series about how Concussion Alliance impacted interns' lives going forward.
Internship Alum Interviews: Kira Kunzman
Kira Kunzman, a two-time intern alum, said, "It was the first internship that I really felt comfortable expressing my opinion. A lot of internships don't really give you the opportunity to create your own materials and add to the organization in a meaningful way." Her interview was one in a series about how Concussion Alliance impacted interns' lives going forward.