Expert Alert – Heading for better concussions treatment

Canadian Institutes of Health Research experts discuss traumatic brain injury

OTTAWA, March 12, 2012 /CNW/ - Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the number one killer and disabler of young Canadians under the age of 40. Each year, 50,000 Canadians sustain brain injury due to a blow to the head, a fall from a bike, a car accident or physical violence. In an instant, the victims' lives change and they have to live with memory problems, headaches, attention deficits,mood swings and frustration. Young athletes are particularly susceptible to concussions, one type of TBI, thus the debate over whether violence should be eradicated from sports like hockey in an effort to reduce the number of brain injuries.

In light of Brain Awareness Week (March 12-18), CIHR-funded researchers are available to discuss the impact of TBI on people's health.

Experts:

Giving your head a check: detection, diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury Dr. Anthony Phillips, Scientific Director of CIHR's Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction (Vancouver, British Columbia)

Concussions in athletes: is this an epidemic? Drs. Maryse Lassonde and Hugo Thoret, CIHR-funded researchers (Montral, Qubec)

Single and multiple concussions: the short and long-term consequences Dr. Robin Green, CIHR-funded researcher (Toronto, Ontario)

Why can't I see right, mommy? Children with visual perception deficits following traumatic brain injury Dr. Robert Forget, CIHR-funded researcher (Montral, Qubec)

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's health research investment agency. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 14,100 health researchers and trainees across Canada.

To schedule an interview please contact: David Coulombe CIHR Media Specialist Office: 613-941-4563 Cell: 613-808-7526 Fax: 613-954-6653 E-mail:mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

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Expert Alert - Heading for better concussions treatment