Category Archives: General
New Research Suggests Early Treatment May Mean Faster Recovery
Early clinical treatment may significantly reduce recovery time following a concussion, according to new research led by the University of Pittsburgh Sports Medicine Concussion Program.
The results, published today in JAMA Neurology, suggest delays in seeking treatment can lead to unnecessarily longer recovery.
“Our study emphasizes the importance of seeking appropriate, specialized care early on. Delaying clinical care following a concussion leaves patients to deal with symptoms on their own and negates the positive effects of early and targeted interventions,” said senior author Anthony Kontos, Ph.D., research director at Pitt’s Sports Medicine Concussion Program.
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a jolt to the head or body that disrupts the function of the brain. This injury can result in physical, cognitive, emotional and/or sleep-related symptoms that may or may not involve a loss of consciousness. The symptoms can last from several minutes, to days, weeks, months or longer.
Kontos and his team analyzed 162 athletes with diagnosed concussion injuries between the ages of 12 and 22 years. Athletes treated within the first week of injury recovered faster than athletes who did not receive care until eight days to three weeks after injury. Once in care, the length of time spent recovering was the same for athletes evaluated within the first week of injury compared to those evaluated eight days to three weeks post-injury, indicating the days before initial clinical care was the primary driver for the longer recovery duration.
“Early clinical care including behavioral management interventions and targeted exertion, vestibular and oculomotor rehabilitation exercises also may minimize missed time at work, school or sports, helping the patient return to a normal routine sooner,” said Michael “Micky” Collins, Ph.D., executive and clinical director, UPMC Sports Medicine Program.
Kontos and his colleagues say future research should look into the biological reasons why earlier engagement with care promotes faster recovery, as well as explore whether their findings could apply to other types of patients, such as military personnel.
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Co-authors include Michael Collins, Ph.D., Alicia Trbovich, Ph.D., Nathan Ernst, Psy.D., Kouros Emami, Psy.D., Brandon Gillie, Ph.D., Jonathan French, Psy.D., and Cyndi Holland, M.P.H., all of Pitt; Kendra Jorgensen-Wagers, Ph.D., of Landstuhl Regional Medical Center; and R.J. Elbin, Ph.D., of University of Arkansas.
New York Brain Injury Attorney Elected as Vice Chair of the Brain Injury Association of America
The New York brain injury law firm De Caro & Kaplen, LLP has announced that senior partner Shana De Caro has been elected Vice Chair of the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA).
Founded in 1980, the BIAA is the oldest, largest and only nationwide brain injury advocacy organization in the U.S. As the voice of brain injury, BIAA provides help, hope and healing for the millions of Americans who sustain this life-altering, sometimes devastating, injury.
In accepting her new position, Shana De Caro said, “From humble beginnings in kitchens, diners, and hotel lobbies, the Brain Injury Association of America is an association with a national presence whose advice and assistance is sought by the brain injury community including those with a brain injury, family members, professionals, and government organizations. Our association is now recognized as the leading national brain injury advocacy association. I am honored our board of directors has elected me to this position of responsibility and trust.”
Posted in CTE, General, Litigation
Tagged brain
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Mother and Her Football-Playing Son Sue Youth Football Organizations over Concussion; Defendants File Objection
The mother of a Pennsylvania youth football player and her son sued the Warwick Midget Football League, Red Rose Midget Football League (which does business as Red Rose), and several individual defendants in September, alleging they were responsible for the traumatic brain injury that the son suffered during a football game.
The injury to the plaintiff’s son, L.R. Rettew, occurred on September 17, 2017 during a game. L.R. then complained to some of the individual defendants that he was experiencing “headaches, disorientation, while also displaying signs and symptoms of a head injury and/or concussion, including dizziness, disorientation and confusion.
“Despite the complaints, the defendants named herein allowed L.R. to return to the field of play, and he suffered multiple injuries, including, but not limited to, a traumatic brain injury and concussion.”
The plaintiffs further contend that the defendants “knew, or should have known, of the risk of head injury to L.R. when allowing him to continue,,,
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Posted in CTE, Football, General, High School, youth
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