Grant L. Iverson, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School
MassGeneral Hospital for Children™ Sports Concussion Program
Traumatic Brain Injury Program, Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation
Massachusetts General Hospital Program
Concussion has received enormous attention from the medical and scientific communities as well as extensive media coverage and public-policy interest. Although much has been learned, there remain critical unanswered questions relating to the clinical care, treatment, and ultimate wellbeing of student and professional athletes. This workshop will review the spectrum of concussion, from acute effects to possible long-term effects on brain health. Topics covered will include: (i) comorbidity factors that influence athletes’ trajectories of recovery from concussion; (ii) factors relating to fast and slow recoveries; (iii) improving assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation; (iv) examining possible long-term effects of multiple concussions on later-in-life brain health; and (v) a critical review of chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
Learning Objectives:
After the presentation, participants will be able to:
- Delineate anticipated recovery times for those who sustain a sport-related concussion.
- List factors or characteristics associated with a slower recovery from concussion.
- Develop and compile more personalized treatment and rehabilitation plans for those who are slow to recover.
- Describe and critique what is known (and not known) about risks for long-term effects of multiple concussions, including accelerated aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
Target Audience: Clinical psychologists and other health care providers (occupational therapists, speech therapists, counselors, and athletic trainers)
Instructional Level: Intermediate