Blog
Practicing self-compassion can mitigate the long-term mental health impact of TBI
An article published by the Brain Health Association of America suggests that practicing regular self-compassion leads to the mitigation of mental health issues after a traumatic brain injury (including concussion).
Acupuncture after concussion reduces symptoms and improves white matter integrity
A group of researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong University found that four weeks of acupuncture, starting a week after a concussion, reduced concussion symptoms and improved brain tissue (white matter) integrity.
Dietary interventions can reduce persistent headache frequency and severity after brain injury, including concussion
A study conducted by Daisy Zamora et al. discovered a correlation between a diet consisting of high omega-3 fatty acids and low omega-6 linoleic acids (the diet is labeled “H3L6”) and a reduction in persistent post-traumatic headaches (pPTH).
One exercise session within 14 days of concussion improves executive function immediately after
A recent clinical study led by Rahimi et al. examined the effects of sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise on executive function in individuals recovering from sport-related concussions (SRC).
Hyperbaric oxygen: a promising treatment for persistent post-brain-injury symptoms
A study published in Nature found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) improved persistent symptoms in people with brain injuries, including those with mild traumatic brain injuries.
After a concussion, active management is the most effective treatment
A clinical practice guideline (CPG) published in the New England Journal of Medicine recommends 24–72 hours of relative rest after a concussion, followed by a gradual return to activity and exercise.
Spotlighting a decade of concussion risk in Cirque du Soleil artists
Russell & colleagues’ 10-year epidemiological investigation into the medical records of Cirque du Soleil performers, published in Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach, identified a concussion incidence rate among Cirque artists numerically comparable to varsity and professional non-contact athletics, unique mechanisms of injury in circus that remain overlooked, and significant time loss before safe return to performance.
Early treatment for new daily persistent headache associated with improved outcomes in children and adolescents
A scientific abstract presented at the American Headache Society 67th Annual Scientific Meeting highlights that a combination of early interventions and therapies is crucial for alleviating symptoms in pediatric patients (ages 5-17) with new daily persistent headaches (NDPH).
Novel virtual reality balance training program improves persisting symptoms after concussion in multiple domains
A recent case report published in Journal of Clinical Medicine suggests that virtual-reality-based balance training may be effective for resolving persisting symptoms after concussion.
HERO study investigates heart rate variability biofeedback therapy for veterans and service members
As part of the HERO study, researchers Raouf Gharbo and James Burchat are studying the effectiveness of heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback for veterans and service members with persisting symptoms after concussion.
Healthcare provider education: working with service members and veterans
Dr. Lisa Brenner, a rehab neuropsychologist, gives a comprehensive overview of the research on the relationship between mTBI, blast exposure, and PTSD in military populations, and adds military-specific recommendations for evaluation and treatment.
Gender differences found in concussion assessment; push for a more gender-specific approach
A study published in Neurotrauma identified key gender differences in sport-related concussion (SRC) not captured by standard unidimensional assessment tools––in this case, the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT).
Standard assessment tools often miss long-term burden of concussion on older adults
A recent systematic review by Lucas Tze Peng Tan and colleagues found that recovery after a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is often incomplete and longer-lasting for older adults, with ongoing symptoms frequently missed by standard assessment tools.
Women in Global Health publishes Concussion Alliance Co-Founder Malayka Gormally’s story
This October, Women in Global Health published Concussion Alliance Co-founder and COO Malayka Gormally’s story about the founding and growth of Concussion Alliance.
XT Guardian Caps do not reduce the risk of sport-related concussions in high school football players
A recent study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that Guardian Caps (GCs), an add-on padded “shell device” that goes atop a helmet, do not reduce the risk of sport-related concussions (SRCs) in high school football players.
Juvenile concussions in mice linked to progressive changes in the brain later in life
A groundbreaking new study published in Experimental Neurology found that a single juvenile concussion in male mice led to progressive changes in white matter across their lifespan.
Concussion patients ages 5-24 experience increased (but still low) suicide risk
An article in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that the risk of suicide in patients ages 5-24 increased after sustaining a concussion.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) alleviates chronic neurocognitive symptoms in adults who suffered from mild or moderate traumatic brain injury as children
A study found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can alleviate cognitive symptoms associated with post-concussion syndrome (PCS) in adults who suffered from mild or moderate traumatic brain injury and PCS as children and who are still dealing with persisting neurocognitive symptoms.
Psilocybin may support recovery after traumatic brain injury
A narrative review in Brain Sciences evaluated 29 studies and found evidence that psilocybin could play a role in recovery after traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Persisting Concussion Symptoms: Vulnerability of Females from Motor Vehicle Crashes
A retrospective study by Tator et al., published in the Journal of Neurotrauma, examined patients from the Canadian Concussion Centre who sustained concussions with persisting symptoms following motor vehicle crashes.
