Concussion experts from around the world convened at the University of Toronto December 10th and 11th to share the latest ideas and research on assessing traumatic brain injury in several key populations.
Organized by U of T’s concussion research team in the Faculty of Physical Education and Health, the conference drew researchers and practitioners from the across Canada, the United States and Australia to discuss the challenges of assessing specific groups, including athletes, children and members of the military.
Topics discussed at the conference included return-to-play guidelines, the use of computerized tests, and clinical management of athletes who have experienced a concussion. Speakers included: NHL neuropsychology program director Dr. Ruben Echemendia; Drs. Andrea Vincent and Kirby Gilliland from the University of Oklahoma, who outlined the challenges associated with baseline testing 400,000 soldiers before deployment to embattled areas; Dr. Gerry Gioia of Maryland, who spoke of the difficulty in reliably assessing children; and U of T’s MacIntosh Sport Medicine Clinic director Dr. Doug Richards, who highlighted the factors other than concussion that often get in the way of understanding athletes’ conditions after brain injury.
The University’s concussion research team includes Toronto Rehabilitation Institute neuropsychologist Paul Comper, Professor Lynda Mainwaring, Richards, and graduate student and assistant Varsity Blues men’s hockey coach Michael Hutchison. The team’s research, educational and clinical care program includes a mandate to baseline test all at-risk Varsity Blues athletes.Â
For more information on U of T’s concussion research program, visit concussion.utoronto.ca.