Archive for brain injury
From pain to purpose: An update on Dylan’s traumatic brain injury
We first introduced you to Dylan four years ago, when a traumatic brain injury led him to the Department of Neurosurgery for care and instilled in him a love of medicine. We caught up with the college senior this summer to see where life has taken him since he started an internship with the team ... Read More about From pain to purpose: An update on Dylan’s traumatic brain injury
Bedside tech predicts newborns’ outcomes after therapeutic hypothermia
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation around birth, is a common cause of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Therapeutic hypothermia is now becoming the standard treatment to minimize brain injury; cooling the newborn’s head or whole body for three days slows cellular metabolism and allows brain cells to avoid and ... Read More about Bedside tech predicts newborns’ outcomes after therapeutic hypothermia
Healthy behaviors may counteract the long-term effects of concussions
When it comes to football, concussion, and long-term health, many people have already made up their minds: They believe that repeat concussions condemn athletes to a future of mental illness and cognitive decline. Such beliefs instill fear and helplessness in many professional athletes and their families. “There’s a thought that former NFL players are all ... Read More about Healthy behaviors may counteract the long-term effects of concussions
Preventing ‘chemo brain’ with antioxidants targeting the spinal fluid
Up to three-quarters of patients receiving cancer chemotherapy suffer from “chemo brain” — a side effect that makes it harder to remember things, maintain attention, and learn new information. When it strikes children, whose brains are still developing, effects are sometimes long lasting, affecting their schoolwork and self-esteem. “One of the most distressing potential side ... Read More about Preventing ‘chemo brain’ with antioxidants targeting the spinal fluid
Could concussion be monitored through urine samples?
Concussion can be frustratingly hard to diagnose and track. The injury doesn’t show up on routine brain scans, and there is no definitive diagnostic test. It’s usually diagnosed based on symptoms and, in athletes, comparison with baseline testing if it was done. But concussion symptoms are non-specific, unreliable, and easily influenced by emotions. “Athletes usually ... Read More about Could concussion be monitored through urine samples?
Freak accident leads to Dylan’s passion for neurosurgery
It was the summer of 2019. Dylan Keusch had just graduated from prep school and was planning to major in Industrial Labor Relations at Cornell University in the fall. His life felt pretty perfect. “Everything was going great — I was a national club team swimmer at the peak of my career, I was headed ... Read More about Freak accident leads to Dylan’s passion for neurosurgery
Carolann’s story: When it’s more than a concussion
Cheerleading had always been a big part of Carolann Hurley’s life. So when she was dropped by accident as a sophomore in high school and diagnosed with a concussion, she had no intention of stopping. It wasn’t her first concussion. But this time was different — she kept blacking out and was having frequent migraines ... Read More about Carolann’s story: When it’s more than a concussion
The tiny choroid plexus protects the prenatal brain — but may also pass on inflammation from the mother
Floating in fluid deep in the brain are small, little-understood fronds of tissue. Two new studies reveal that these miniature organs are a hotbed of immune system activity. This activity may protect the developing brain from infections and other insults — but may also contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. Key takeaway This pioneering work ... Read More about The tiny choroid plexus protects the prenatal brain — but may also pass on inflammation from the mother
Isolde’s story: A concussion leads to 3PD
When Isolde Edson was injured in the fall of 2018, during the last junior varsity soccer game of the season, she had no idea she’d still be dealing with the repercussions nearly two years later. “During a home game at the end of the season, I jumped up to kick the ball, and a girl ... Read More about Isolde’s story: A concussion leads to 3PD
Provider Spotlight: Meet Rebecca Stevens
Rebecca Stevens is a pediatric nurse practitioner in the Brain Injury Center at Boston Children’s Hospital. She’s worked at Boston Children’s for almost seven years. What’s your job at Boston Children’s? As a nurse practitioner in the neurology clinic, I mostly see patients who have sustained a concussion or brain injury. I help with ... Read More about Provider Spotlight: Meet Rebecca Stevens