Robert Stern of the Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Center at Boston University, speaks in Honolulu about CTE, the harmful impact of repetitive head trauma, and common misconceptions related to concussions. Video and editing by Amanda Shel of UH Med Communications, with additional video by Jeremy Nitta.
Editor’s note: Story updated on February 8 to include a video from the conference
The University of Hawaiʻi’s John A. Burns School of Medicine Pathology Residency Program joins with the Gary O. Galiher Foundation and the Hawaiʻi Concussion Awareness Management Program to host a two-day conference, January 28 and 29, on a topic of growing concern—the long-term impacts of brain damage and repetitive head trauma.
Evidence is mounting that repeated blows to the head may cause traumatic brain injury, leading to permanent impairment including memory loss, decline in motor function and even early death.
The danger has changed the way team sports are played and coached. Additional training that emphasizes injury prevention has been implemented at all levels, from community or school-based football, basketball, baseball and soccer programs through college and professional sports (including the Centers for Disease Control’s Heads Up program). Prevention has also prompted rule changes in football.
Conference details
The Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Conference is being held on Thursday and Friday, January 28 and 29, at The Queen’s Conference Center in Honolulu. On January 28, the conference runs from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. On January 29, sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue until 2:45 p.m.
For more information on the conference and keynote speakers, read the John A. Burns School of Medicine news release.
—By Tina Shelton
