PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Innovation and new technology continue to offer real solutions for athletes who incur brain injuries, and with football season underway, Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns great and NFL Hall of Famer Joe DeLamielleure is renewing his commitment to making football safer for the next generation. Since retiring from the NFL in 1985, DeLamielleure has struggled with depression, a quick temper and short-term memory loss. He is one of thousands of former NFL players who put forth the lawsuit recently settled with the NFL for allegedly concealing the dangers and long-term effects of concussions. Those of us who have experienced brain injury have the responsibility to help make the game safer for the next generation, said DeLamielleure, who has donated his brain to Boston University for study. Technology like the InfraScanner is an example of the kind of innovation that can make a difference. With this new hand-held technology, a brain bleed can be detected in minutes right on the field and can guide immediate, life-saving decisions. The InfraScanner is a first-of-its-kind, portable screening device that uses near-infrared (NIR) technology to assist medical professionals with a more accurate, expedited clinical assessment of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Providing the ability … Continue reading →

Featured Article Academic Journal Main Category: Neurology / Neuroscience Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics Article Date: 04 Sep 2013 - 8:00 PDT Current ratings for: Transparent skull implant provides 'window to the brain' 5 (1 votes) 3.5 (2 votes) Scientists have created a novel transparent skull implant, which may give neurosurgeons a "window to the brain," according to a study published in the journal Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine. Researchers from the University of California, Riverside, say they hope the implant will lead to new treatment strategies for those with life-threatening neurological disorders, such as traumatic brain injury and brain cancer. At present, the majority of neurological procedures involve craniectomies. A craniectomy is a neurosurgical procedure where a part of the skull is removed to give swelling in the brain room to expand. Laser-based treatments have shown promise for many brain disorders in the past, but most medical lasers are unable to penetrate through the skull. Therefore, the scientists hope this novel implant will take laser-based neurological treatments to the next level. The team created the implant using ceramic material that is currently used in dental crowns and hip implants, called yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). Although this material is … Continue reading →

IRVING, Texas, Sept. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --In response to the National Football League's agreement to pay $765 million for the diagnosis, treatment and compensation of 4,500 retired NFL players who suffer from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), Alzheimer's, dementia and other debilitating brain conditions brought on by concussions sustained during bone-crushing collisions on the field, Carrick Brain Centers announced today that it is prepared to help afflicted players in several ways. The leading-edge facility currently treats NFL greats and many other players listed in the historic lawsuit the NFL agreed to settle on Thursday, August 29. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130905/PH74298LOGO ) "An important first step for veteran players will involve C.O.A.C.H. (Cognitive Occupational Assessment of Cerebral Hemisphere)the next generation and new standard developed at Carrick Brain Centers, compared to the current ImPact testingto accurately assess each player's neurocognitive condition and establish a proper course of treatment to help relieve their symptoms and enhance their quality of life," Dr. Cagan Randall says. Unlike other treatment and testing facilities, the COACH Test presents objective, straightforward results that present a clear picture of the brain's condition, including whether or not the player suffers from CTEa diagnosis that could previously only be made … Continue reading →

BALTIMORE, Sept. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --The NFL, Under Armour (UA) and GE (NYSE:GE) today launched Head Health Challenge II an open innovation challenge to award up to $10 million for new innovations and materials that can protect the brain from traumatic injury and for new tools for tracking head impacts in real time. The challenge is part of the Head Health Initiative, a collaboration to help speed diagnosis and improve treatment for mild traumatic brain injury. Kevin Plank, Founder and CEO of Under Armour said: "As longstanding partners of the NFL and in collaboration with GE, we take great pride in our participation in the Head Health Challenge II. We are excited to harness the power of innovation and assemble the best minds in the world towards an effort to make the field of play safer across all sports and for all athletes." NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said: "We are very pleased to have Under Armour join our work with GE to help accelerate progress and find better ways to protect the brain from injury. This is a perfect example of our shared commitment to making the culture of sports better and safer especially for young athletes." Entries are being … Continue reading →