There was a story on National Public Radio (NPR) today about the growing concern over concussion in youth sports. This is a topic that has been in the news (and in our own blogs) this entire year, and it shows no sign of going away. Thank heaven! The more voices that join the chorus of […]
Parents, Coaches Worry About Concussion Risks Read More »
According to an article in The New York Times, the National Football League (NFL) is not sticking to their new policy of protecting players from concussion and head injury. One player was tackled square in the face with the helmet of an onrushing opponent. Another, fighting for one last yard, took a polyurethane bash to
Big Hits, No Penalty, Lots of Brain Damage Read More »
This week, two articles published in the medical journal Pediatrics highlight the extremely high cost of motorcycle wrecks for youths ages 12 to 20. The first study, “Youth Motorcycle-Related Hospitalizations and Traumatic Brain Injuries in the United States in 2006,” showed that the number of motorcycle deaths and injuries are increasing for children and young
Motorcycle Wrecks a Major Cause of Brain Injury in Youths Read More »
It’s not everyday that the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) takes an official position on an ethical topic; they have released fewer than 2 dozen position statements in the last 20 years. But today, this organization of more than 22,500 neurologists and neuroscience professionals have gone public on a topic near to our hearts: Concussion
Brain Doctors Make Recommendations on Concussions Read More »
In cycling, the first line of defense against brain injury is the helmet. A properly fitted, regulation helmet can save your life in the event of a crash. But if the integrity of the helmet is compromised–if cracked or crushed in an accident–it loses its ability to protect your head. Unfortunately, a dangerous crack isn’t
Cycling Helmets Will Soon Warn You of Cracks Read More »
At the end of the summer, the National Football League (NFL) decided to take action to reduce the number and potential effects of concussions. It created a poster that outlined the organization’s position on concussion, including the fact that players should know the symptoms, report them, get checked out, and basically start taking concussions seriously.
NFL Backing Concussion Program with Fines Read More »
Last night, during the Dew Tour Championship event in Las Vegas, BMX star T.J. Lavin lost control of his bike, fell, and was knocked unconscious. The 33-year-old Lavin, who is also the host of MTV’s Real World/Road Rules Challenge, was attempting a combination jump called a “nac nac.” To perform a nac nac, “as the
BMX Star in Coma After Failed Jump Read More »
A fascinating article in USA Today reports that Army researchers have discovered a simple blood test that may help diagnose concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). This could prove to be a game-changer for detecting (and then treating) the hidden damage often suffered by soldiers and athletes after head impact, and by infants after being
Blood Test May Identify Mild Brain Trauma Read More »
You know that feeling of dragging your body around in a North Carolina heatwave? Feeling sluggish and fatigued and just plain drained? (Yes, I’m happy it’s finally autumn.) But what if that feeling didn’t go away when the weather broke? That’s what happened to Marilyn Berger, a contributor to The New York Times. As she
A Fall, Followed by Brain Surgery Read More »
The NFL’s concussion poster ends with these lines: “Work smart. Use your head, don’t lead with it. Help make our game safer. Other athletes are watching…” Hey, NFL: You’re right…we’re watching…and we don’t like what we saw on Sunday.
NFL is All Talk, No Proper Action Read More »