Archive

Brain Injury Diagnosis & Treatment

How are traumatic brain injuries diagnosed, and what treatment is recommended for concussions and other brain injuries?

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.

Two soccer players competing for ball

Be a Parent Advocate for Children and Youth Sports Concussions

Parents must communicate with the school after their son or daughter has a concussion to make sure that there are accommodations if needed during recovery.

woman painting

Healing through Art & Science

Kaiser Foundation Rehabilitation Center, Kaiser Permanente’s regional rehabilitation inpatient and outpatient hospital in Vallejo, California celebrates its art program. The producers interview Dr. Sandel, a former Medical Director, and others at the Center about their work with patients using art as a medium of expression.

Group of girls huddle before game

Empowering Your Kids to Speak up About Concussions in Youth Sports

There are many reasons why kids do not report concussions. They must be educated about brain injuries, including concussions. They must be empowered to report to an adult any symptoms after a blow to the head, neck, or body that causes neurological symptoms (like dizziness, headache, or confusion). Removal from the sport or activity followed by evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider should be expedited.

Girls playing volleyball

Talk to Your Kids About the Concussion Risk of Collision Sports

Children and adolescents must understand that if they have any symptoms after a blow or jolt to the head or neck they must stop immediately and get help from an adult.

Slate Article

Concussion Alliance Co-Founders Interviewed for Slate Article

More and more journalists are writing about concussion, in many cases because they have had a concussion themselves or have friends or relatives who have experienced one. In March, 2024, Isobel Whitcomb interviewed Concussion Alliance co-founders Conor Gormally and Malayka Gormally for an article in Slate. It is concerning that bad medical advice (“just rest”) is still being given to concussion patients as is clear in Whitcomb’s story.

The Atlantic & Bloomberg magazines

Concussion Care Highlighted in The Atlantic and Bloomberg News

I collaborated recently with Conor Gormally of Concussion Alliance to advocate for individualized and comprehensive concussion care in mainstream news stories with journalists who recounted personal stories of concussion.  Here’s what The Atlantic and Bloomberg published.

Two soccer players competing for ball

The 6th International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport–What’s New?

The Statement summarizes scientific research and provides some updated recommendations for athletes at risk for concussions.  But, it’s been mired in controversy regarding the strict criteria governing which research was included. Read Dr. Sandel’s insights into the process and conclusions.

Abstract brain wave concept

What Is Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy?

Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT) is an evidence-based approach to addressing multiple cognitive impairments caused by a traumatic brain injury. Restorative CRT strengthens cognitive abilities, and compensatory CRT provides strategies to reduce the impact of deficits.

UC Davis Health, Dept of Physical Medicine and Rehab

Patient-Centered Concussion Care

Presenting to the physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) residents at the UC Davis School of Medicine sparked a lively exchange about patient-centered concussion care. Learn more about the challenges and possibilities for transforming concussion care.

Close up of woman holding neck in pain

Three Alternative Treatment Modalities to Ease Brain Injury Associated Symptoms

Conventional treatments like medications may not help symptoms after a brain injury. Complementary or alternative treatments may help.

3D x-ray of spine/neck

Check the Neck after a Brain Injury

Whiplash and cervical strain occurs when a person’s head and neck are forced back and forth, injuring soft tissues of the neck. They are common after brain injuries.

3D illustration of person holding head in pain

Evaluating and Treating Headaches After Brain Injury

Headaches are extremely common after a traumatic brain injury, but there are various treatments that vary depending on the phenotype or cause.

Woman with eyes closed holding neck in pain

Post-Traumatic Headaches: Not Just One Type or Treatment

Headaches must be evaluated with a comprehensive history and physical examination. There are many options for treatment, but diagnosis has to be the first step.

MRI of brain

Brain Imaging after an Injury

CT and MRI scans are the most common imaging modalities to evaluate people with traumatic brain injury, but advanced imaging methods are more promising for diagnosis and prognosis. However, interpretations of findings can vary.

Doctor looking at x-ray photo with patient in background

Treatment and Prognosis after a Concussion

Learn about treatments for post-concussion symptoms—including medication, various rehabilitation therapies, neuropsychology, and potentially some complementary therapies—as well as factors related to longer concussion recovery times.

Book & Original Illustrations

Meet Dr. Sandel at the Book Signing Event on December 9

Join Dr. Sandel in Oakland on Friday, December 9 from 4:30-6:30pm for a “Shaken Brain” book signing event. Presented by Kim Cole Real Estate.

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