Archive
Text
AMA Hub offers Concussion CME
The AMA Ed Hub has posted the CME program produced by Dr. Sandel and Concussion Alliance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Neuropsychologist is a Brain Injury Expert
Neuropsychologists are psychologists with training in brain functioning. They offer evaluations, education, and counseling for people with brain injuries. Health can educators help, too, because education is a key part of concussion care.
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.
Getting Top-Notch Care after a Concussion
Concussion clinics vary in terms of protocols and personnel. Neuropsychologist Richard Delmonico discusses one model in the Kaiser Permanente health system.
Can We Adequately Treat Concussion?
Finding a physician specializing in brain injury medicine can be difficult because the field is relatively new, but there are resources to help.
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.
Concussions or “Mild” Brain Injuries are Still Misunderstood
Even as the incidence of concussions is on the rise in the U.S. and in countries around the world, this injury from a blow to the head remains a largely misunderstood condition. Concussions happen to people from all walks of life—young athletes, the elderly, people injured in motor vehicle accidents,…
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.
