Update on Sports-Related Traumatic Brain Injury

December 11, 2014 Brigham and Women's Hospital

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Ross D. Zafonte, DO

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) covers a wide range of injuries, from people who have suffered severe head injuries due to trauma or disease, to children and adults who experience concussions as a result of participation in amateur and professional sports. All types of traumatic brain injuries can cause immediate and long-term neurological problems.

The number of people going to emergency departments, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has gone up significantly in recent years. It is estimated that nearly 3.5 million people sustain TBIs each year, though some suggest that this number may underestimate the number of people who suffer sports-related concussions.

In this video, Dr. Ross Zafonte, Chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Brigham and Women’s Hospital , explains the risk factors for sports-related TBI , clinical symptoms, treatments, and research aimed at improving recovery.

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