Medical Notes: April 9, 2023
Are we prepared for another pandemic? Tackle football isn’t as kid-friendly as you think. Are you taking the right amount of insulin? And more.
CTE: The Mysterious Brain Disorder That’s Taken Over the NFL
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive brain disorder that can only be diagnosed after death. The condition is caused by repeated head trauma, but much of CTE is still a mystery. Dr. Michael Alosco discusses who he thinks is most at risk and the various obstacles researchers face while studying CTE.
When TBI’s Change Personality
Traumatic brain injury can profoundly change the injured in personality and temperament, as well as physically and cognitively. Spouses bear the brunt of these changes to the point many feel like they’re living with a stranger. Two experts and the spouse of a TBI victim discuss the many ways life changes after an injury and what can help to get them through …
Medical Notes: September 26, 2021
A study suggests recovery from concussions might take twice as long as we thought. Then, researchers say they have a solution for "Zoom fatigue." Next, a study finds cannabis use may hurt men's fertility. Plus, new research finds that certain kinds of people are more susceptible to conspiracy theories. And finally, turns out craft beer really is different?
Nerve Growth Factors: New Hope For TBI’s, MS, ALS?
Unlike most cells in the human body, the central nervous system cannot repair itself. People who suffer brain or spinal cord injuries, or neurological disorders such as MS and ALS have few alternatives. A neurological researcher describes how he has discovered previously unknown nerve growth factors that could someday allow such injuries and diseases to …
Medical Notes: Week of November 29, 2020
Two Covid vaccines showing a better than 90-percent effectiveness rate now have the data to seek emergency approval from the FDA. Then, a study shows that signs of concussion can be detected in a person's saliva. And finally, a new study finds that deflating soccer balls just a little could cut concussion injuries in the sport.
Medical Notes: Week of May 24, 2020
Scientists have come up with a blood test that screens for a panel of biomarkers for pancreatic cancer that's nearly 92 percent accurate. Then, a new study shows that heart valve blockages in men and women may be caused by completely different factors. Plus, a report is out indicating Americans are feeling depressed right now. And finally, doctors and nurses …
Foreign Accent Syndrome
People who suddenly speak with what sounds like a foreign accent often have a brain injury due to a stroke or other trauma. Experts discuss the syndrome and chances of recovery.
Medical Notes: Week of February 16, 2020
Studies showing physical activity helps prevent obesity virtually from birth. Then, low doses of lithium may show promise in treating dementia. Then, about half of people who are recovering from a concussion have sleep problems. And finally, a study showing that maybe the two genders are becoming more equal.
Smoldering Concussions
Doctors are realizing that concussions can smolder in the brain for years with symptoms that are missed, making diagnosis at the time of occurrence all the more important. Yet a new study shows that protocols affecting the most vulnerable—young athletes—often are not followed. Experts explain why, and what people should do when they receive any blow to the …
Medical Notes: Week of January 12, 2020
Teenagers are vaping marijuana at rapidly rising rates. Then, a report on concussions and why they can produce lifelong effects. Then, another study confirming the importance of sleep. And finally, a new survey of ERs proves that smartphones make people run into things, triggering a spike in head and neck injuries.
Medical Notes: Week of November 10, 2019
The largest study of its kind is strengthening the link between football and the brain disorder CTE. Then, a new study in the journal Radiology shows that complications due to cortisone shots are much more common than previously thought. Finally, another study is proving that dog owners live longer.
