In a trial referred to as “landmark,” young athletes recovered faster from sport related concussion with an early, progressive aerobic exercise program. The 103-patient randomized trial may even alter the future standard of care. In a report published in JAMA Pediatrics by John Leddy, MD, of the University of Buffalo, and co-authors, adolescents who participated in individualized, sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise, shortly after concussion, recovered in an average of 13 days compared to 17 days by adolescents in a stretching program. “This research provides the strongest evidence yet that a prescribed individualized aerobic exercise program that keeps the heart rate below the point where symptoms worsen, [...]

In a new position paper published in Neurology, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) defines death by neurologic criteria – commonly known as brain death – as the individual’s death due to irreversible loss of function of the entire brain in accordance with the Uniform Determination of Death Act (UDDA) a model state law that was approved for the U.S. in 1981. In the position paper the AAN proposed uniform brain death laws, policies and practices. In a comment to MedPage Today, lead author James Russell, DO, MS, of Lahey Hospital said the statement has three goals. “First, it provides AAN, American Neurological Association, and Child [...]

Fortunately for many athletes who suffered head injuries, recent awareness of mild traumatic brain injury and the possible long-term effects, has saved them from further injury. Medical professionals are on site for contact sports to determine if a player suffered a concussion and if the athlete should be removed from play. Gone are the days when the coach would make light of a player having his “bell rung.” For everyone else, the severity of a head injury can only be determined by a visit to the ER. But how does a person determine when a trip to the ER is necessary?  According to Dr. Charles Emerman, [...]