Families often ask why is their loved one in coma after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A patient will be in coma if they are in a state of “unarousable unresponsiveness.”‘ When the patient opens their eyes and has a Glascow Coma Scale of eight or more, they will be out of coma. Read full article.
Category Archives: All Articles
Omega-3 PUFA as Biomarkers: Plasma Levels Predict Mortality, CV Events in CHS Analysis
BOSTON — The highest levels of plasma phospholipid omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), as measured in >2500 older adults initially without coronary heart disease or a history of stroke, predicted the lowest mortality in the observational, prospective Cardiovascular Health Study(CHS). Read full article.
Vitamin E status may be reliable biomarker for Alzheimers
Screening levels of vitamin E in the blood could help to improve the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease, according to new research that suggests the vitamin may also aid in protection. Consistent with previous research findings, the new study – led by Francesca Mangialasche from the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden – reports that both AD and MCI patients had lower blood plasma levels of different vitamin E isomers, compared to controls. Read full article: http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Vitamin-E-status-may-be-reliable-biomarker-for-Alzheimer-s-Study
Mindfulness Therapy Reduces Depressive Symptoms in TBI
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) reduces symptoms of depression in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), new research suggests. A randomized controlled trial conducted by investigators at Lakehead University and St. Joseph’s Care Group in Thunder Bay, Canada, showed that compared with a wait-list control group, the MBCT group experienced a significantly greater reduction in total and somatic depressive symptoms. The findings were presented at EPA 2013: 21st European Congress of Psychiatry. According to study investigator Michel Bédard, PhD, TBI can be a life-changing event: Depression is common, and pharmacologic and other interventions may not relieve depressive symptoms. Previous research conducted by the team “strongly suggested” that mindfulness-based interventions for depression in TBI all showed strong effect sizes, so the “logical next step was to conduct a randomized controlled trial to determine the efficacy of MCBT in this patient population.”
The Omega Balance: Getting Smart about Inflammation
When it comes to your health, inflammation is public enemy number one. The more doctors learn about it, the more they realize just how destructive it really is. That’s the bad news. The good news is you can reduce the inflammation inside your body by getting smart about what you eat. No matter what type of health problem you’re facing, chances are, it began with inflammation. This internal irritation causes our whole body to break down. Read full article.
‘Far-reaching benefits’: DHA omega-3 may boost memory for healthy young people
Supplements of omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may improve memory and reaction times for healthy young people, says a new study that could ‘translate into far-reaching benefits’… Read Full Article.
Hockey causes most sports-related brain injuries in kids, teens: study (Canada)
TORONTO – Hockey accounts for almost half of all traumatic brain injuries among Canadian children and teens taking part in team sports, says a study, which also looks at how and why kids are getting hurt. Read full article.
Op-Ed: What’s Really Causing Traumatic Brain Injury (Hint: It Isn’t Sports)
Does America need its own Schindler’s List?
A sad statement about the care of a brain injured patient. Daniel’s mom, Dr. Yvette Priesler, a nutrition-trained physician, has become a good friend as we have worked together to get Daniel proper nutrition and care that has been ridiculously lacking. If an M.D. can’t get proper care for her son, where does that leave other families? Read Patrick Donohue’s op-ed published by FoxNews. Patrick is founder of the The Sarah Jane Brain Foundation. Read full article.
Lutein, zeaxanthin plus omega-3 shows benefits for AMD sufferers
A combination of lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids may boost the pigment in the retina and help people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), says new data from Germany. Read full article.
AAN Issues Updated Sports Concussion Guideline: Athletes with Suspected Concussion Should Be Removed from Play
With more than one million athletes now experiencing a concussion each year in the United States, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has released an evidence-based guideline for evaluating and managing athletes with concussion. This new guideline replaces the 1997 AAN guideline on the same topic. The new guideline is published in the March 18, 2013, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, was developed through an objective evidence-based review of the literature by a multidisciplinary committee of experts and has been endorsed by a broad range of athletic, medical and patient groups. Read full article.
MRI Finds Possible Vascular Injury After Mild Head Injury
Using MRI, researchers have detected linear hemorrhagic brain lesions suggestive of primary injury to the vasculature early after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), a finding that could have implications for acute treatment. Read full article.
Former stars spread awareness for head injuries
Former NFL All-Pro running back for the Philadelphia Eagles, Brian Westbrook, 33, former Philadelphia Flyers captain Keith Primeau, five-time MLS All-Star Taylor Twellman, former NFL linebacker Jim Nelson, former Green Bay Packers VP Andrew Brandt and other head safety advocates took part in a panel discussion of the “Concussion Conundrum,” Friday at Villanova University. They hope to bring greater awareness to concussions and the lingering effects that ruin the quality of life. Read full article.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Reduces Risk of Developing Atrial Fibrillation
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—At the American College of Cardiology’s 62nd Annual Scientific Session, researchers presented that in post-cardiac surgery patients, omega-3 fatty acids (PUFA) therapy significantly reduces the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Read full article.
Single Concussion May Lead to Lasting Brain Damage
TUESDAY, March 12 (HealthDay News) — Just one concussion can cause long-term structural damage to the brain, according to a new study. Read full article.
Vitamin D, omega-3 may help clear amyloid plaques found in Alzheimer’s
A team of academic researchers has pinpointed how vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acids may enhance the immune system’s ability to clear the brain of amyloid plaques, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. In a small pilot study published in the Feb. 5 issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, the scientists identified key genes and signaling networks regulated by vitamin D3 and the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) that may help control inflammation and improve plaque clearance… Read full article.
New Research Points to Brain Injuries in College Football
As the National Football League continues to face scrutiny and litigation over concussions, new evidence shows that brain injuries may be a problem at the collegiate level too. According to a study published today in PLOS One, college football players who sustain hits to the head may experience long-term brain damage even if they aren’t concussed… Read full article.
Are brain injuries from IED blasts causing the military suicide crisis?
Traumatic brain injuries sustained by more than 200,000 U.S. troops may be fueling the military’s suicide crisis, according to a letter co-signed by 53 congressional members who are seeking additional data to investigate the new theory. [Note: Really? This a new theory?] Read full article.
American Football Players Aren’t the Only Ones With Head Injury Issues
It may not seem surprising that a sport that involves gigantic men slamming into one another goes hand-in-hand with head injury. But in American football, the severity of the life-long consequences has gone under appreciated until recently. And there are other sports that should be concerned. Soccer players who head the ball could be injuring their brains, as well, according to a recent paper in PLoS ONE… Read full article.