Mid-Atlantic Concussion Alliance
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Dr. Vincent E. Schaller formed the Mid-Atlantic Concussion (MAC) Alliance in 2010. As a brain injury testing, diagnosis, treatment, and concussion management specialist, his chief goal is to facilitate the spread of new concussion technologies.
Mid-Atlantic Concussion Alliance
3M ago
While there are multiple symptoms associated with a concussion, hearing difficulties aren’t always at the top of the list. Sadly, an auditory issue—much like the proper diagnosis of a concussion—may be overlooked or even misdiagnosed. Understanding and recognizing the possible connections between concussions and hearing difficulties can help ensure proper treatment, and ensure proper measures are taken to prevent further impairment.
Concussions and Hearing Difficulties: An All Too Familiar Story of Invisible Injuries
After a head injury, whether due to a car accident, a fall or a sports misha ..read more
Mid-Atlantic Concussion Alliance
5M ago
Anyone contemplating slipping behind the wheel of a vehicle after a head injury should think twice. Driving after a concussion or other traumatic brain injury (TBI) can pose very serious risks.
There’s no question that these brain injuries can lead to the impairment of judgment, coordination and focus on the road. According to a 2020 Pediatric Quality and Safety report, the most common medical reasons for restricting driving after a concussion were vestibular or ocular dysfunctions.
Because each brain injury is unique and healing times vary, it’s imperative to spread awareness about the risks ..read more
Mid-Atlantic Concussion Alliance
6M ago
Special blog post from MAC Alliance Founder and Medical Director, Dr. Vincent Schaller
You may have seen the headlines about actor Jeremy Renner and talk show host Jay Leno used hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to help heal from severe injuries. Renner was in a snowplow accident early in 2023 that left him with over 30 broken bones and in need of multiple surgeries. Leno sustained severe third degree burns to his face after an an explosion while working on his classic cars late last year. These two thankfully experienced much quicker recoveries than any doctor’s had expected with daily HBOT ..read more
Mid-Atlantic Concussion Alliance
7M ago
Second impact syndrome (SIS) is a devastating condition that occurs when an individual who suffers from initial concussive symptoms due to a head injury sustains a second impact upon their head before fully recovering from the first blow. The brain is in a vulnerable state in the aftermath of a concussion, and even a slight blow can cause a sudden chain of reactions in the body that leads to dangerous brain swelling. Given the severity of second impact syndrome, it should be actively discussed between doctors and patients during post-concussive care and considered as a variable in Return-To-P ..read more
Mid-Atlantic Concussion Alliance
8M ago
You are home recovering from a concussion. You didn’t sleep well the night before. You’re tired, and more than a little bored. And that morning cup of coffee isn’t quite doing the trick. Tempted as you may be to reach for a second cup, you remember your concussion specialist telling you to limit caffeine intake to just one 8-ounce cup of black coffee or its equivalent a day for now.
Why?
The Truth About Caffeine and Concussions
“When my patients are big coffee drinkers, they can take it pretty hard when I tell them that caffeine and concussions don’t play nice together,” says Medical Director ..read more
Mid-Atlantic Concussion Alliance
9M ago
Dealing with regular, excruciating migraines is tough enough. When someone experiences a concussions, however an extra layer of concern arises in regards to migraines. A 2020 study from the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute shows that concussion patients with a history of migraines are more likely to experience more severe and longer concussion-related symptoms.
Highlights of this longitudinal (one conducted over a period of time) study, as reported in MedPage Today, a clinical source for health care professionals, indicate that:
Concussion patients with a pre-injury, lifetime history of migr ..read more
Mid-Atlantic Concussion Alliance
11M ago
In honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, we wanted to share a set of eye-opening statistics from a recent report published in JAMA Network Open :
Approximately 15% to 30% of individuals with a history of concussion will present with persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS)
Studies show that people with PPCS have four-fold greater odds of experiencing depressive symptoms.
These findings, published by researchers from the Bloorview Research Institute in Toronto, Canada, were based on the systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 studies and 9101 participants, and they should make ..read more
Mid-Atlantic Concussion Alliance
1y ago
It’s official: emergency rooms and urgent care centers around the country now have a rapid-result blood test for concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) available for screening patients. This is a game-changer, allowing for earlier diagnosis, which leads to better recovery outcomes.
The test runs on a handheld device by Abbott called the i-STAT Alinity, and results are available within 15 minutes after plasma is placed in the test cartridge. The test measures specific proteins present in the blood after a TBI. A positive test result complements other objective and neurocognitive scree ..read more
Mid-Atlantic Concussion Alliance
1y ago
Over the last decade, numerous studies tested the relationship between patients diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and their recovery with concussions. Both ADHD and concussion share some symptoms, such as loss of focus, which led researchers into wanting to learn more about the overlap between the two and whether traumatic brain injury (TBI) recovery was different for someone with ADHD.
In 2019 the American Academy of Neurology Sports Concussion Conference presented a study that found athletes who experience a concussion and already have been diagnosed with ADHD a ..read more
Mid-Atlantic Concussion Alliance
1y ago
Today is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, and we take this opportunity to remember the risks faced everyday by the officers charged to serve and protect our communities. From motor vehicle crashes to assaults, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) should be a big concern. While leading voices in the field say TBI support for law enforcement is needed, there is practically no significant current research on the prevalence and impact of TBIs in the law enforcement community. This, however, is changing.
New Federal Legislation Offers TBI Support for Law Enforcement
On August 16, 2022 the Tra ..read more