Archive
Special Populations
Learn why certain ages and occupations are at higher risk of traumatic brain injuries and what can be done about it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is ImPACT for Concussion and Who is It For?
The Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT), an FDA-approved computerized tool for evaluating people with a suspected concussion, is not a stand-alone diagnostic tool. A comprehensive evaluation that includes additional cognitive testing, a physical examination, and a care plan are necessary.
Workplace Brain Injuries Require Specialized Care
Non-fatal workplace injuries have increased in recent years, and certain jobs like construction, forestry, agriculture, and emergency services have high rates. Prevention strategies can reduce risk, and both employers and workers can play key roles in lowering risks.
Concussion and Youth Football: What’s the Score?
Over a million youth ages 6-12 and 1.5 million age 12 to 17 play football, the most dangerous sport in America. Prevention efforts cannot take away all the risk.
The Consequences of Concussions Are Not Necessarily “Mild”
Caroline had a sports-related concussions on the soccer field. Immediate removal from a game or practice after a suspected concussion should be followed by a medical evaluation. Death and disability from second impact syndrome can be prevented with adherence to guidelines and laws enacted in all states and the District of Columbia.
Is There a Connection Between Mild TBI and Mental Health Disorders in Adults and Children?
In a recent study, researchers at Kaiser Permanente found that risks for affective and behavioral disorders were significantly higher in the years post-injury for children and adolescents with a history of mTBI—especially for 10- to 13-year-olds. They emphasize the importance of regular interval screening for affective and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents who sustain a mild TBI. This post includes a slide presentation and Q & A with two of the researchers, Richard Delmonico, PhD, and Brian Theodore, PhD.
Why I Am Not Surprised About the Latest CTE Research
Millions of children play contact and collision sports in the US, with high risks for head impacts. Repetitive hits can result in concussions or subconcussions without immediate evidence of neurologic injury. CTE is a brain disorder caused by repetitive hits to the brain from sports such as football and soccer. The latest study from Dr. Ann McKee’s brain lab at Boston University links CTE to child athletes who died before the age of 30.
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.
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.
Concussion in Stunt Performers and other Film & Theater Workers
New research by Professor Jeffrey Russell of Ohio University provides evidence that concussion is a serious occupational health risk in stunt performers. They—and likely other film/theater workers—could benefit from concussion management, risk reduction, and education.
Updating the International Sports Guidelines for Concussion
The 6th International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport meets in Oct 2022 to face again the task of revising their sports concussion guidelines. The conference comes in the midst of controversies regarding Paul McCrory, the group’s former chair, and just after a long-awaited statement of causation for CTE from the NIH.
Top Causes of Concussion in Children and Adolescents
When we think of “youth” and “concussion,” the first thing that likely comes to mind is a teenager engaging in a high-risk activity such as football, soccer, or snowboarding. But not all youth brain injury results from these risky activities. Of the millions of concussions reported by emergency rooms every year, figures put concussions related to sports and recreation at just 30% – so 70% of concussions result from other causes.
Traumatic Brain Injury and the Elderly
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability among seniors. The cause is often a fall or a motor vehicle accident, but head trauma due to elder abuse or neglect must always be considered, too. Older adults usually have other health conditions and sometimes dementia, so a diagnosis of a TBI can be challenging. The brains of elderly people are also more vulnerable to injury, and many older adults are on anticoagulant medications that put them at risk of brain bleeds. If elder abuse or neglect is suspected, mandatory reporting laws must be followed by certain professionals and even ordinary citizens in some states of the United States.
Will My Child Experience Long-Term Consequences from a Concussion or other Brain Injury?
Although most children recover fully after a single concussion, others have long-term effects. Of course, prevention is the best strategy, but if a concussion occurs, parents must understand a brain injury has occurred.
How Long Will It Take for My Child to Recover from a Concussion?
Children can experience a range of symptoms after concussion. They require individualized treatments and strategies for returning to activities and to school. A physician with training and experience in treating concussions must provide early interventions and follow-up, regardless of how long recovery takes.
Abuse: A Leading Cause of Brain Injury in Children
Child abuse is a top cause of brain injury-related emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths among children of all ages. Diagnosis can be challenging in cases of pediatric abusive head trauma. Prevention strategies at the individual and community level can be effective and there are many available resources.
Falls and Brain Injury in Older Adults
Traumatic brain injuries are very common in older adults who fall. They can result in hospitalization, death, or disability especially in this age group and those on certain medications. In this post, an elderly woman has a delayed hematoma from an injury that could have been deadly. Falls can be prevented and Dr. Sandel shares important information about risk factors and tips for prevention.
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