U.S. Navy researcher David Jesse Daily has created a prototype helmet with “increased protective capability.” As reported by TechLink, this helmet uses cavitating bubbles, which are “the formation of vapor pockets in a fluid,” to act as a shock absorber.

This new helmet design transfers the energy created on impact into the cavitation bubbles to help cushion the brain.

A review article published in the Frontiers of Neurology investigated the potential of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), serious games (SG’s), and telerehabilitation techniques to facilitate cognitive rehabilitation therapy. Elisa Mantovani et al. found these techniques to be highly engaging when performed at home by study participants.

According to The Guardian, the Rugby Football League (RFL) has approved the use of mouthguards that could detect whether a player is at risk for a concussion. The mouthguards were trialed by the Leeds Rhinos, an English Rugby team, and will be deployed next season. The guards can measure the force of collisions experienced by players.

A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that CBD and THC reduces chronic neuropathic pain in mice. Neuropathic pain is pain caused by a disease of the nervous system. While chronic neuropathic pain and post-concussion symptoms are not directly linked, research on neuropathic pain provides valuable insight.

In an interview with The Varsity, Dr. David Lawrence discusses a study he co-authored regarding how cannabis, alcohol, and cigarettes affect concussion symptoms and recovery. The study, published in Brain Injury, followed 307 subjects for four weeks after their concussion to track their recovery. they found that cannabis use was associated with lower symptom severity in the third and fourth week.

Lori Mae Yvette Calibuso Acob, an intern in our summer 2021 Concussion Education & Advocacy Internship Program, has garnered the “Exceptional Student Award” from the Washington State Public Health Association (WSPHA).

Two footballers in action

A clinical trial found that people with a history of mTBI and cognitive impairment, recruited from five military and VA sites, showed significant improvement in cognitive function after using BrainHQ training compared to an active control group. This online program is commercially available and low cost.

In recent years, there has been an increased interest in alternative medicines, such as acupuncture. This holistic approach may be used to treat many symptoms associated with concussions. While research on acupuncture as a treatment for concussion is still relatively new, there is some evidence that points to this alternative treatment option being a successful treatment.

In this post, we discuss a Headway UK article with tips to help people struggling with depression after a brain injury.

Imagine living through five concussions before you even start college. This is the reality of Ian Scott, a freshman at Carleton College, who talks about his experience in this blog post. Although he might not seem any different compared to other people, he is perpetually battling the aftermath of his five concussions.

In a new blog post, we interview Dr. Tamara Wexler, MD, PhD about hormonal dysfunction after concussion. Dr. Tamara Wexler is an endocrinologist who specializes in neuroendocrinology and the treatment and study of hormone dysfunction following traumatic brain injury.

Free opportunity to try a CBT app for insomnia, customized for military members. A clinical trial is enrolling 200 service members and veterans to test the efficacy of a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) app for insomnia that has been customized to be specific to military members.

In an article for Knowable Magazine, Helen Santoro elaborates on "Emerging research [that] suggests that even mild hits to the head may damage the tiny lymphatic vessels that clear toxic chemicals and cellular debris from the brain.”

Two professional soccer players from different teams tra to get the ball. Jump shot

We interview Dr. Larry Carr, a former BYU Hall of Fame Football player, about his experience with photobiomodulation for symptoms caused by repetitive head impact exposure and his work as a consultant on five different pilot trials to research the effects of photobiomodulation on CTE-like symptoms.

A recent study in Brain Injury explored the importance of social support during youth concussion recovery, specifically in reference to high school women.

Use of the CEFALY device for post-traumatic headaches (PTH) in concussion patients was discussed in a presentation chaired by Nathan Zasler, MD, a leading expert on PTH, at the 2017 International Brain Injury Association Conference. The CEFALY is a nerve stimulator for migraine headaches and is now available without a prescription.

A research study will evaluate the effectiveness of a newly developed national Return to Learn program, which provides guidance for high school students who have suffered a concussion and are returning to the academic classroom. The study is recruiting participants through June 1st, 2021

Parachute, a Canadian charitable organization, has a Smart Hockey program that integrates concussion tools and resources to help prevent and recognize concussions in hockey.