Of Brain Injured Mice and Men

The show kicks off with an update from Voice America Sports Director, Ray Ellis. They talk about how NFL players are keeping in shape during the lockout and Ray’s projections for the how’s and when’s of resolution. Bruce the Sports Doc visits Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, where he attends a national conference on Brain Injury, titled, “From Impact to Recovery”. He interviews Dr. Kevin Crutchfield, team neurologist for the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles. They discuss Dr. Crutchfield’s unique approach to establishing a rapport with NFL Players, his 20-point neurological examination and his rationale for returning players safely to the gridiron. Dr. Bruce then speaks to Dr. Peter Davies, Distinguished Professor of Pathology and Neurology at Long Island University, formerly of Albert Einstein Center in Bronx, New York. Dr. Davies discusses exciting, and one of the first proposed, treatments for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a dangerous brain injury condition found in contact sport athletes. The final segment is a conversation with Melaine Bertrand, MPH, of the NIH, who highlights new research by the NIH relating to traumatic brain injuries, with details about how athletes and parents can enroll in new treatment studies.