Repetitive head injuries have been linked to progressive brain injury, resulting in memory loss and other brain function. Multiple sports concussions frequently occur in athletes who play high contact sports such as football, hockey or boxing but can happen with any athletic or recreational pursuit. Frequent injury to the brain can lead to a chronic neurodegenerative disease called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
NorthShore has long led in advancing knowledge in the area of CTE, with Julian Bailes, MD, chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery and Co-Director of the NorthShore Neurological Institute), and a pioneer in the study of this disease.
CTE and other innovative clinical research ensures patients who come to NorthShore have access to the latest information and care for concussion, TBI and other head injuries.
Our team is committed to advancing research that leads to improvements in patient care. Our physicians are or have been involved in studies related to:
- Sophisticated brain imaging to identify those at high risk for neurological complications sustained from concussions
- Identifying genetic factors for those at higher risk of developing long-term problems from multiple concussions
- New head and neck gear to limit the severity and prevent concussions
- The use of acupuncture to treat symptoms due to TBI or other head injuries
- Supplements and other preventive medications for those at high-risk of concussions
For More Information
For more information on head injury and concussion prevention, symptoms and treatment, or to schedule an appointment with one of our concussion and head injury specialists, please call 847.982.4195.