Head Concussions
Articles tagged with Head Concussions
Head impacts associated with altered gut microbiome in football players
Researchers tracked six NCAA Division I football players over a season and found that non-concussive head impacts correlated with changes to the gut microbiome. The study suggests that even sub-symptomatic head impacts might affect the gut microbiome, both in the immediate aftermath of injury and over a longer time course.
TBI survivors turn to psychedelics for symptom relief
A new study found that nearly 1,200 TBI respondents used psychedelics to treat or manage physical health conditions, with 208 participants using them to manage brain injury-related symptoms. Researchers reported a 90% self-reported symptom improvement rate.
JAMA paper points to specific signs of pediatric concussion
A recent JAMA paper identifies key symptoms and signs that strongly indicate a child has sustained a concussion. Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, mental fog, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, and difficulty remembering.
Eye tests reveal brain trauma more than a decade after concussions
Researchers found that veterans with prior concussions showed slower and less accurate eye movements, along with reduced performance on attention-based tasks. These subtle brain changes can be measured more than a decade after the original injury.
Study shows younger children experience persistent symptoms following concussion
A new study from Nationwide Children's Hospital finds that similar to older children and adults, about one fourth of children under six years old who experience a concussion will develop prolonged symptoms. Younger children are more likely to sustain brain injuries due to their size differences and weaker muscles.
Red light therapy shows promise for protecting football players’ brains
A preliminary study suggests that red light therapy can protect against brain inflammation caused by repetitive head impacts in collegiate football players. The treatment, which involves shining near-infrared light at the brain through the skull, appeared to be effective in reducing inflammation throughout almost all regions of the brain.
A surprising suspect behind concussion trouble: Your own immune system
A new study from the Medical University of South Carolina suggests that the complement system, a part of the body's innate immune system, plays a major role in brain damage after repeated concussions. The research found that reducing complement activation can help protect the brain and reduce cognitive impairments.
Brain injuries linked with potential risk of suicide, new study finds
A new UK-based study found that adults who experience a head injury face a substantially higher risk of attempting suicide compared to those without such injuries. The 20-year population-based matched cohort study analyzed data from over 1.8 million adults and found that people with head injuries were 21% more likely to attempt suicide.
Scientists ID potential way to prevent brain injuries from triggering Alzheimer's
Researchers at UVA Health System discover how traumatic brain injury increases Alzheimer's risk and find a potential prevention strategy using a hollowed-out virus to deliver repair supplies. The approach could help limit neurodegeneration and potentially prevent other neurological diseases.
Researchers show visual training dramatically improves cognitive function after concussion
A new study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience reveals that a visual training program called Perceptual Attention Therapy (PATH) produces rapid improvements in reading, attention, memory, and executive function after concussion. PATH addresses underlying visual timing deficits before strengthening specific cognitive skills.
Pitt and UPMC study finds epigenetic signature of pediatric traumatic brain injury, paves way for precision recovery tools
Researchers at Pitt and UPMC Children's Hospital discovered a biomarker of complicated pediatric traumatic brain injury, which may serve as dynamic indicators of post-injury recovery. The study found that children with TBI had a different epigenetic profile compared to those with orthopaedic injuries.
New findings upend long-held beliefs about NFL player health risks
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study of over 1,500 former NFL players found that years played and playing position are not linked to poorer long-term physical or mental health. Instead, concussion history is a more accurate predictor of long-term health challenges.
UVA, military researchers seek better ways to identify, treat blast-related brain injuries
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System are exploring the role of the neurovascular unit in maintaining healthy brain function and how damage can cause chronic health conditions. The studies aim to identify new biomarkers for blast-related brain injury and develop strategies for prevention and treatment.
Mount Sinai study finds chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) rare among individuals with isolated brain injuries
Researchers at Mount Sinai found chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) rare among individuals with isolated brain injuries. The study, published in the Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology, analyzed postmortem brain tissue from 47 donors and revealed that CTE is more common in those with extensive repetitive head impacts.
30 years of post-traumatic epilepsy research: Where do we stand?
Researchers have made significant strides in understanding post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE), but a therapy to prevent its development remains elusive. Studies identify key barriers, including collaboration, funding, and standardization, and propose eight recommendations to advance PTE research. Potential therapies include disease modifica...
Childhood concussions may trigger long-term brain changes
A new study in mice found that concussions sustained early in life can lead to subtle brain changes that re-emerge later in life. The research highlights the importance of long-term monitoring and care following head injuries in children, as even mild symptoms may not be immediately apparent.
Psychedelics offer healing for concussion, traumatic brain injuries
A new review from the University of Victoria suggests that psilocybin and 5-MeO-DMT may help treat concussions and traumatic brain injuries by increasing neuroplasticity and reducing inflammation. The compounds have shown promise in treating depression, anxiety, and other conditions in clinical research.
Repeated head impacts cause early neuron loss and inflammation in young athletes
A NIH-funded study reveals that repeated head impacts from contact sports can cause early neuron loss and inflammation in the brains of young- to middle-aged athletes. The findings suggest that these changes may occur years before CTE develops its hallmark disease features.
UVA to test if MRI can reveal undetected brain injuries in soldiers
Researchers at UVA Health System are testing a cutting-edge MRI scanner to identify brain scarring caused by blast exposures in soldiers. If successful, the technology could lead to a new imaging test to diagnose brain changes caused by repeated blasts.
Mary Jo Pugh earns national Outstanding Research Accomplishment Award for uncovering long-term consequences of TBI
Dr. Mary Jo Pugh has made significant contributions to understanding the full range of TBI's effects, including dementia, substance use disorder, and cardiovascular disease. Her research uses big data integration to analyze patterns hidden in health data and inform preemptive interventions for veterans with TBI.
Study refutes blood thinner brain bleed risk after falls in older adults
Researchers found that taking blood thinners like warfarin does not significantly increase the risk of brain bleeding after blunt head trauma, contradicting previous assumptions. In fact, patients with poorly controlled warfarin activity had the highest bleeding risk.
CTE and normal aging are difficult to distinguish, new study finds
A recent Northwestern University study analyzed brain tissue from 174 donated brains, including some from former amateur football players. The researchers found no elevated levels of phosphorylated tau (p-tau) protein in the CA2 region of the hippocampus, which is often associated with CTE and normal aging.
Beyond the big leagues: Concussion care in community sports
A new study suggests current return-to-play protocols for community sport athletes may not be enough to ensure player safety following a concussion. Researchers recommend symptom-based assessments and personalized rehabilitation plans to support recovery and reduce the risk of reinjury.
Even in athletes, obese BMI associated with worse concussion recovery
Research found that athletes with a BMI equal to or above 30 have increased inflammatory biomarkers, more severe concussion symptoms, and worse cognition following a concussion. The study suggests that body composition should be considered when determining the best recovery protocol after a concussion.
FAU awarded $1 million to prevent medication-related harm, falls in older adults
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine aim to reduce falls and adverse drug events among older adults by using personalized approach tailored to individual genetic profiles.
Tool for protecting soldiers’ brain health earns $3.2 million grant
A team of researchers has received a $3.2 million grant to upgrade the Generalized Blast Exposure Value (GBEV) tool, which assigns a numerical score to service members' blast exposure history to assess potential health outcomes.
Age, previous sports experience, stronger predictors of performance in children than previous concussions, York U study finds
A new study from York University finds that age and previous sports experience are more significant factors in cognitive-motor integration than a history of multiple concussions. Researchers tested participants with a history of concussion on complex eye-hand coordination tasks, revealing neuroprotective benefits from sports experience.
Updated equestrian helmet ratings system adds racing and high-speed events
The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab has released an updated set of equestrian ratings that considers impact scenarios with horizontal velocity, typically occurring in racing and cross-country events. The new ratings aim to inform consumer decisions about helmet purchasing by reflecting concussion risk associated with each model.
Study finds youth with concussion may benefit from monitoring sleep and limiting daytime naps
Researchers found that limiting daytime sleep and getting approximately seven hours of sleep each night in the first week after a concussion may speed up recovery. Youth who sleep more or less than ideal amounts during this period may experience slower symptom resolution.
Could small repeated head hits cause major damage?
Researchers investigate how repetitive blows to the head impact brain health, potentially leading to neurodegenerative diseases. The study aims to detect and mitigate acute effects of exposure to repetitive head hits using objective measures.
Study shows head trauma may activate latent viruses, leading to neurodegeneration
A study by Tufts University researchers found that head trauma can activate dormant viruses in the brain, triggering neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The discovery suggests antiviral drugs could be used as early preventive treatments after head injuries.
Soccer heading damages brain regions affected in CTE
A study found that soccer heading causes structural brain abnormalities similar to those seen in CTE, affecting the frontal lobe and verbal learning. The research suggests repeated head impacts may harm brain health even without serious injury.
A new era of treating neurological diseases at the blood-brain-immune interface
Scientists have identified a key driver of brain inflammation in neurological diseases, proposing a new treatment approach by neutralizing fibrin. This protein, involved in blood coagulation, triggers neurologic diseases by hijacking the immune system, resulting in damaged neurons.
Co-occurrence of depression and concussions amplify symptoms of both conditions
A new study by Penn State researchers reveals that individuals with co-occurring depression and concussion experience more severe symptoms than those with single conditions. The study also found disrupted brain connectivity among participants with both conditions, suggesting a potential need for personalized treatment approaches.
University of Calgary scholars publish first research to show link between dating violence and concussion
Researchers at the University of Calgary found that girls and non-binary youth who experience teen dating violence are at an elevated risk for concussion. The study, published in Journal of Adolescent Health, analyzed data from Canadian Grade 9 and 10 students and found that one in three experienced physical, psychological, and/or cybe...
Soccer headers briefly slow brain activity, study shows
A new study from the University of British Columbia reveals that soccer headers can briefly slow brain activity, producing waves associated with sleep and drowsiness. The research found increased delta brain waves within moments of impact, potentially disrupting information processing and leading to reduced focus.
MSU researchers find regional variations in concussion diagnoses
The study found significant geographic variations in concussion diagnoses in US emergency departments, with a higher frequency of diagnoses in the South due to high population density. The researchers highlight the need for tailored public health strategies to address these variations effectively.
Repetitive head impacts and perivascular space volume in former football players
A cross-sectional study of 170 former football players found a strong association between repeated head impacts and increased perivascular space volume, as well as worse cognitive test performance. The findings suggest that PVS volume may contribute to the link between RHI exposure and neurodegeneration.
How does traumatic brain injury progress to Alzheimer’s disease?
A new $3.5 million NIH grant will investigate the complex interplay between traumatic brain injury and genetic risk factors in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The three-year study will use rodents to assess disease progression across different age periods, providing insights into potential early intervention strategies.
Prestigious NIH award will advance brain research at UCR
Viji Santhakumar, a UCR professor, has been awarded a $3.5 million NIH grant to study brain circuit function and its impact on memory formation and cognitive deficits in diseases like epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.
Substantia nigra pathology, contact sports play, and parkinsonism in chronic traumatic encephalopathy
A cross-sectional study of CTE patients found that years of contact sports participation are linked to substantia nigra pathology, leading to parkinsonism. The study suggests that repetitive head impacts may trigger neuropathologic processes in individuals with CTE.
WVU changing the game for sports emergency action plans
The West Virginia University athletic training researcher developed a new national position statement on emergency action plan development and implementation in sports. The recommendations aim to reduce catastrophic injuries by designating an emergency action plan coordinator who collaborates with other athletic staff.
Disorders of consciousness: Increasing awareness of advances in brain injury medicine
The themed issue highlights advances in nosology, covert consciousness assessment, neuromedical morbidity, neurorehabilitation evaluation, and medicolegal challenges. Patients with severe brain injuries may have better prognoses than previously believed, but require careful assessment due to high misdiagnosis rates.
Optimal volume of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity postconcussion in children and adolescents
Moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity after concussion decreases symptoms when reaching a specific volume but provides no additional benefits beyond that point. This finding is significant for recommending post-concussion exercise routines.
Ex-football players with medical and mental health conditions at higher odds of receiving premature CTE diagnosis
Researchers found that former football players with medical and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety are at higher risk of receiving an unverified CTE diagnosis. The study highlights the need for accurate diagnoses and access to proven treatments.
A “mini-brain” traces the link between concussion and Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a 'mini-brain' that tracks the effects of concussive force on brain cells, revealing a link between head trauma and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that even hours after a hit, acrolein production leads to misfolded amyloid beta protein aggregation.
New review calls on Hockey Canada to raise age of body contact from 13 to 15
A new review recommends raising the age of body contact in hockey leagues from 13 to 15 to reduce concussion rates. Studies show injury rates are four times higher for kids and teens with body checking, while eliminating it reduces concussion rates by over 50%.
Low-dose aspirin and the risk of stroke and intracerebral bleeding in healthy older people
A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial found that daily low-dose aspirin increases the risk of intracranial bleeding in healthy older adults, but does not reduce ischemic stroke risk. The study's findings have particular relevance to individuals prone to developing intracranial bleeding after head trauma.
The force of blows to the head, not just how many, raises likelihood of CTE
A new study examining brain tissue from 631 former football players found that the cumulative force of hits, not just the number of concussions, was the strongest predictor of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The study suggests that reducing the force and frequency of head impacts could help prevent CTE in athletes.
New study reveals number and strength of head impacts, not concussions, drive CTE risk in football
A new study found that football players' cumulative repetitive head impact exposure was associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) status and severity. The study suggests that reducing both the number of head impacts and their force could lower CTE risk.
International expert panel revises management of concussion in sport for optimal care of athletes at all levels of participation
A group of international experts developed a consensus statement on concussion management, including new tools and strategies for identification, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. The statement includes evidence-based recommendations for return to active sport, education, and light intensity exercise to aid recovery.
International group of experts redefines concussions
A new standard for diagnosing concussions has been established by an international group of experts, taking into account blood tests and cognitive assessments. The new criteria aim to reduce inconsistencies in diagnosis and improve patient care, as well as facilitate apples-to-apples comparisons between studies.
Case report: former football player’s cognitive symptoms improved after study revealed alternative diagnosis and treatment
A former professional football player's life-altering cognitive decline was reversed after a comprehensive assessment revealed signs of hydrocephalus, which could be treated. The case study highlights the importance of considering alternative explanations for cognitive decline in athletes.
New carbon nanotube-based foam promises superior protection against concussions
Researchers developed a lightweight, ultra-shock-absorbing foam that outperforms existing materials in mitigating concussions. The new material exhibits superior mechanical properties and can remain robustly shock-absorbing across various temperatures.
Some screen time better than none during children’s concussion recovery
A study of over 700 children aged 8-16 with concussions found that engaging in moderate screen time was associated with faster symptom clearance. The researchers suggest using moderation as the approach to screen time, rather than complete bans, to support concussion recovery.
New R01 grant funds study on concussion recovery with increased exercise
Researchers aim to determine if high-dose exercise can reduce symptoms and secondary effects of concussions. A five-year study will enroll 220 teen athletes with concussions to test the effectiveness of an individualized exercise prescription.
Houston Methodist study finds clues about concussions from the gut
Researchers discovered a link between traumatic brain injuries and changes in the gut microbiome, suggesting a potential diagnostic tool for concussions. The study found two bacterial species that dropped significantly after concussions, indicating a correlation with traumatic brain injury-linked proteins in the blood.
Association of adverse childhood experiences with poor neuropsychiatric health in NFL players
This cross-sectional study investigated the association between adverse childhood experiences and poor neuropsychiatric health in former NFL players. Football-related concussions were found to be significantly associated with increased risk of dementia and poor neuropsychiatric health among these athletes.
Cognitive brain function in youth football players can be impaired by repetitive “subconcussive” head impacts
Research finds that subconcussive head impacts in youth football can impair cognitive brain function, particularly in attention and processing sensitivity. The study used brain vital signs to track changes in brain function over time, providing a predictive relationship between head impact exposure and cognitive impairment.