Blog
New Clinical Practice Guideline: Recommendations for primary care doctors treating adults with mTBI
A new Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) on traumatic brain injury care was recently published in the Journal of Neurotrauma.
At-home transcranial photobiomodulation (light therapy) improves cognitive function for adults exposed to repetitive head acceleration events
A “proof-of-concept” study found that 8-10 weeks of at-home treatment with a transcranial photobiomodulation device resulted in improvements in cognitive function in adults exposed to repetitive head acceleration events.
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).
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.
RUNIT: A historical perspective from Stephen Casper, PhD
People who take part in these sports might think they are in control of the risks, but brain injuries can happen fast and change a person’s life forever. These injuries can cause immediate death or lead to lifelong disabilities that affect every part of a person’s life. Many people who get hurt by perfect brain injury delivery systems say they had no idea how bad it could be until it was too late.
Leading experts propose a new framework for diagnosing traumatic brain injury
In a significant paradigm shift, 50 years in the making, 94 experts from 14 countries have proposed a new, multidimensional framework for classifying traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Co-occurrence of depression and concussion worsens symptoms in collegiate athletes
A study highlights that the co-occurrence of concussion and depression is “associated with significantly worse symptoms for both conditions.” Despite overlapping symptoms, these conditions are often treated independently, overlooking their additive effects.
Meditation techniques associated with lower cortisol levels for at-risk populations
A recent study suggests that different meditation interventions (particularly those focused on mindfulness) benefit individuals at risk for high cortisol levels––especially for those with a somatic (physical) illness.
Download a free, high-quality mindfulness app
Learn about a free, high-quality mindfulness app created by UCLA Mindfulness Education Center ; our previous newsletter covered meditation, particularly mindfulness, for at-risk populations.
Neuroscientist breaks down misconceptions about concussions
Neuroscientist Richard Sima has written a terrific article for the Washington Post explaining what concussions are–and the serious nature of these mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI).
Clinical trial for a CBD pill for concussions
The first US-based clinical trial on CBD treatment for concussion is being conducted by the University of Miami. The five-year, three-stage study is funded by a $16 million grant from Canadian company Scythian Biosciences. The clinical trial will conduct research on a pill that combines CBD and dexanabiol, which researchers believe will reduce brain inflammation. See also the Miami Herald article.
