Author Archive

Elizabeth Sandel

Elizabeth Sandel, MD, is a nationally and internationally recognized concussion specialist who has been helping brain injury patients for more than three decades. Board-certified in both Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) and Brain Injury Medicine (BIM), Dr. Sandel has conducted extensive research on concussions and other brain injuries. She now shares her expertise and raises awareness about the risks and effects of this common but often misunderstood injury, and the best practices for care. Her recent book "Shaken Brain: The Science, Care and Treatment of Concussion" helps readers understand causes of concussions and other traumatic brain injuries, the possible long-term consequences, and the latest treatments available.

Pair of combat boots and military helmet on wooden background, close up

Military Blast Injuries Can Injure More than the Brain

Military blast injuries can impact the brain, the lungs, the heart, and other organs in the body. Early diagnosis is very important.

Michelle Camicia, MSN

Parents and Sports-Related Concussions

Michelle Camicia, MSN, PhD, the mother of two student athletes, discusses the role of parents who must pay attention to their childrens’ symptoms if they play contact sports. Are these symptoms consistently understood by student athletes and coaches? She argues for more education and advocacy to address the problem of…

Richard Delmonico, PhD

Comprehensive Care of Concussions

Dr. Richard Delmonico, a neuropsychologist, outlines the approaches to triage and treatment in a concussion clinic in the Northern California Kaiser Permanente health system. He also discusses the uses of neuropsychological testing to help with diagnosis and management of people with concussions and other brain injuries.

Melita Moore, MD

Concussions in College Athletes

Dr. Melita Moore, a physiatrist, sports medicine doctor, and brain injury medicine physician reports about her experiences when she served as the physician for University of California Davis sports teams. She discusses collision sports such as football and soccer that have a high incidence of concussion, but also other sports…

Steven Moskowitz, MD

Managing Concussion-Related Pain

Dr. Steven Moskowitz is a physiatrist specializing in pain management. He discusses the various painful conditions, including neck pain and headaches, that occur at high frequency after concussion and related trauma. He advocates for a biopsychosocial approach to the evaluation and treatment of these conditions.

Mel Glenn, MD

The Post-Concussion Syndrome

Physiatrist Dr. Mel Glenn discusses the evaluation of the many symptoms that are part of a chronic condition called post-concussion syndrome or disorder that occurs in some patients after a concussion. He offers advice on the treatment of headaches, sleep disturbances, and other conditions.

Maya Evans, MD

Concussions in Young Children

Dr. Maya Evans is a pediatric physiatrist who treats children and adolescents with brain injuries, including concussions. She discusses the special needs of these populations for expert care and also advocates for prevention strategies.

Concussion in Young Children: What You Need to Know

An early childhood teacher talks with Dr. Sandel about about concussion in young children. What causes it? What do we need to look for? And how can we help during the recovery process?

Front line of football players holding football

Brain Injury Research — Still Lacking in the 21st Century

There are many unanswered research questions about concussion diagnosis, pathophysiology, risk factors, and effective treatments. About 50 are included here to emphasize the fact that we still need a lot more research in brain injury medicine for advances in diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract brain divided into pieces

What’s It Like to Have a Brain Injury?

Stories of people who experience a traumatic brain injury can help to support and educate others. Seth had a protracted recovery, but ultimately a good one. (2 parts)

Person using pencil to fill in answer on exam

What Effect Does Concussion Have on Learning?

Stories of athletes like Brittany who experience concussions or more severe brain injuries can help to educate others. She did get back on track.

Cheerleaders at practice

A Parent’s Key Role after a Child’s Concussion

Parents play a major role in identifying the effects of concussions in their daughters and sons, helping them manage symptoms, and supporting their recovery.

Keep up to date

Get updates on the latest in concussion, brain health, and science-related tools from Dr. Elizabeth Sandel, M.D.

By clicking SIGN UP, you agree to receive emails from Dr. Sandel and agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.