Category: TBI Blog

Most individuals who have sustained a concussion will recover within four weeks. Medical professionals are studying the “outlier population” of people who, for one reason or another, take longer to recover. For some, it is a matter of age. The elderly population recovers more slowly from traumatic brain injuries. For others, concussion recovery can be Read More

The Centers for Disease Control’s website, Heads Up, focuses on keeping kids and teens safe and healthy, particularly from head injuries and concussion. The site helps parents, teachers, coaches, etc., recognize, respond to and even minimize the risk of serious head injury, including concussion. There are times when despite all precautions, a child or teen Read More

A concussion can often worsen symptoms in an adult or child who has pre-existing conditions that affect the brain, such as learning disorders, attention deficit, depression, anxiety and migraines. Dr. Nathan Cook, Pediatric Neuropsychologist, Sports Concussion Program, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, is part of the Virginia Concussion Initiative and works primarily with “outlier” cases, Read More

There are many ways to reduce the chances of sustaining a traumatic brain injury. Here are several, provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Buckle Up Every Ride – Wear a seat belt every time you drive – or ride – in a motor vehicle. Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or Read More

Fall prevention among older adults is a significant issue, says Nelson Cortes, PhD, Associate Professor, School of Kinesiology, George Mason University Sports Medicine Assessment, Research & Testing (SMART) Laboratory. “The work I do specifically is not necessarily to prevent a traumatic brain injury. What we do is develop interventions in the community that can help Read More

Concussions are brain injuries that when managed appropriately should have no long-term consequences. Recovery time varies, often by age group. Explains Donna Broshek, PhD, ABPP-CN, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia.  “Recovery from concussion tends to be from one week to four weeks in general, but it’s really very individualized, because Read More

This is the final part of a three part series addressing myths about concussions, with factual answers provided by Virginia experts on this medical condition. Myth: If you or your child have suffered a concussion playing a sport, it’s a good idea to get a head CT scan at the hospital. Fact: You or your Read More

Medical experts address and dispel more myths about concussions in Part Two. Myth: Concussions are primarily sports-related. Fact: Concussions can occur anywhere, from everyday activities. One of the most common ways is to slip and fall, striking your head, or from the change in motion. Myth: Seatbelts and shoulder harnesses prevent concussions during car accidents. Read More

A team of professionals from the medical and athletic communities is working to develop more effective ways for evaluating children who may have suffered a concussion. This effort starts with establishing baselines that are appropriate for different school ages. Dr. Patricia Kelshaw, PhD, LAT, ATC, and certified athletic trainer is part of this team. She Read More

The Virginia Concussion Initiative (VCI) is an opportunity for experts in various fields to share information and develop programming related to concussion identification and treatment. Researchers within the VCI have identified three groups that are at greatest risk for Traumatic Brain Injury, including concussion. These groups are ages zero to four; adolescent’s age 15 to Read More