The U.S. Government is now trying to understand the full extent of health risks associated with football, as a House Committee chairman recently said he will seek records on head injuries from the NFL, NCAA, high schools, and other related medical research.

This is in response to a recent study indicating that NFL players were likely to suffer brain injuries and many develop problems such as dementia and memory loss. The NFL stresses that the study does not prove these things, but says that more research is necessary.

The issue is currently being discussed and studied by the player's union and the NFL as well.

Posted by Astrid Scott at 02:05 PM | Permalink

People living with traumatic brain injuries in Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey counties will have an opportunity to benefit from federal stimulus money for their condition.

The Central Coast Center for Independent Living recently received $486,923 in stimulus funds to use to expand programs for TBI survivors.

The funds will be helped to develop services for the TBI survivors and help improve their quality of lfe.

Posted by Astrid Scott at 02:10 PM | Permalink

Another interesting article about traumatic brain injury.

Lately, the link between sports and brain injuries has been a hot topic. It was found that football players are at a higher risk for developing Alzheimer's disease at an early age and often develop brain injuries.

This article, which you can read by clicking here explores the risks that football players take, comparing it, as indicated by the title, to dog fighting (the main link here being Michael Vick, a football player convicted for dog fighting).

Gladwell explores the love of the game, despite its link to severe injuries, and how people play even when they are hurt.

It's a great read, and unlike previous articles about traumatic brain injury, it is not filled with science jargon.

Posted by Astrid Scott at 01:07 PM | Permalink

A football player from Colville High School in Washington has recently had surgery after a game last weekend left him with a brain injury. Luckily, the young man, who plays wide receiver and defensive back, is expected to recover.

The football team coach told a local news affiliate, The Seattle PI Local, that the football player is recovering from surgery to remove a clot and clean up bleeding on the side of his brain.

After he came off the field, the football player complained of a leg injury. A medical personnel recognized that the injury was really a symptom of a brain injury and the football player was taken to the hospital.

Posted by Astrid Scott at 02:51 PM | Permalink

Researchers are now beginning to test the hormone progesterone as a possible treatment for brain injury.

It's one of many things researchers around the country are looking into as they search for new ways to help treat people who are suffering from traumatic brain injury.

Here is a link to a recent article explaining the specifics of the progesterone study. A fair warning, it has quite a bit of science jargon (as one might expect).

People are hoping for studies like this one to produce more innovative and better treatments for traumatic brain injury.

Posted by Astrid Scott at 10:56 AM | Permalink

The verdict of a California lawsuit has ruled that a college student who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a truck accident will be awarded $49 million.

The expenses were awarded to cover past and future medical expenses, to cover lost wages, and additional funds for additional damages. It was one of the largest single-plaintiff personal injury awards at that court in recent history.

The case regards a truck accident that occurred in California in 2007, when two tractor trailers crashed and the victim was hit. The man suffered a traumatic brain injury and now requires constant medical care.

Posted by Astrid Scott at 05:31 PM | Permalink

The LA Times recently wrote an interesting features article about traumatic brain injury. Click here to read it.

The story is about the complexities of treating traumatic brain injury, particularly in veterans. Through the stories of people who have suffered brain injuries, it explains the symptoms and daily hardships of living with a brain injury, such as memory loss.

The armed forces is currently researching brain injury treatments and putting money towards rehabilitation, giving people like those in the story hope.

Posted by Astrid Scott at 02:08 PM | Permalink

The Brain Injury Association of Utah is holding its Families & Professionals Conference 2009 today.

The BIAU is the only non-profit in the state of Utah that is dedicated to providing education and services aimed at preventing and treating brain injuries.

There are other similar brain injury associations in different states, and if you or a loved one has had a traumatic brain injury they can be a valuable resource. The BIAU, for example, offers resources and can help victims and their families connect with others for support.

Here is the BIAU's list of national links.

Posted by Astrid Scott at 01:44 PM | Permalink