Category: Brain Injury

CTE- The Long Term Consequences of Head Injuries in Sports

by John McKiggan

The results of a study done by the National Institute of Health (NIH) on the brain of legendary NFL linebacker Junior Seau revealed symptoms consistent with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).

Seau, a 12-time Pro Bowler, committed suicide on May 2, 2012. An autopsy revealed no illegal drugs or alcohol in Seau’s body.

Seau’s family offered his brain for the study. The NIH conducted a blind study of 3 brains, one of which were Seau’s, found that Seau’s brain had signs consistent with those found in people who have been exposed to repetitive head injuries.

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Posted in: Brain Injury, CTE - Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, Head Injuries, Uncategorized

Sudden Impact: Liability for Sports Related Concussions

by John McKiggan

I have been asked to post a copy of the article I wrote for the December 14, 2012 issue of The Lawyers Weekly magazine.

Representing Injured Athletes in Canada

Nothing went well for the Detroit Tigers in the World Series, but it could have been worse. I’m talking about game 2 when Tigers pitcher Doug Fister took a line drive to the head from Gregor Blanco.

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Posted in: Brain Injury, Concussion, Head Injuries, Uncategorized

Do Helmet to Helmet Collisions Perpetuate Brain Injury Myths?

by John McKiggan

Last month Oakland Raiders wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey was on the receiving end of a crunching helmet to helmet hit that saw him unconscious on the field for ten whole minutes. While Heyward-Bey gave the crowd a “thumbs up” as he was stretchered off of the field, it comes as no surprise to anyone that he was later diagnosed with a concussion and neck strain.

Fortunately the young wide receiver is expected to make a full recovery.

If you have watched much football you have likely heard the echoing crunch that comes from a helmet on helmet collision. As a brain injury lawyer I can’t help but cringe every time I hear that noise.

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Posted in: Brain Injury, Uncategorized

Don’t Forget the Coffee!

by John McKiggan

I never cease to be amazed by the interesting information I come across when I am doing research for my clients. For example recently I was reading some scientific literature on a brain injury claim I am working on when I came across an article about the correlation between caffeine consumption and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Coffee Drinking Mice Form Faster Memories?

A study conducted by professor Gregory Freund of the Illinois University looked at the effects of caffeine on the brain and how it appears to block the brain-based inflammation associated with the disease. The study was conducted on mice, with one group given caffeine and the other not.

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Posted in: Brain Injury, Uncategorized

Using Their Heads: New Study of Athletes and Concussions

by John McKiggan

As a lawyer who deals with personal injury claims, I frequently encounter clients who have suffered some form of brain injury.

In cases of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury the cause is almost always some form of concussion. The effects of concussions can be lasting, particularly in circumstances of repeat impact.

Athletes At Increased Risk

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Posted in: Brain Injury, Concussion, Head Injuries, Uncategorized

New Advances in Concussion Testing Helps Protect Athletes

by John McKiggan

The hottest topic of conversation among my friends and neighbours the last two weeks has been their kids amateur hockey tryouts. The other day, I was contacted by a parent whose son suffered a serious concussion during a practice session.

Sport-induced concussions are serious business. As Sidney Crosby can testify, they can have long lasting effects, particularly if they are not diagnoses promptly and the athlete is returned to the game. As I have posted previously, there are a number of different mechanisms for diagnosing concussions: Brain Injury Claims: New Guidelines to Diagnose Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

An article posted by my colleagues at Slater Vecchio discusses a new baseline test for athletes before the season begins.

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Posted in: Brain Injury, Child Injuries, Personal Injury, Uncategorized

Great Video for Parents and Children about Brain Injuries

by John McKiggan

As a brain injury lawyer I have heard many explanations from many different experts about how brain injuries happen and the functional problems brain injury can cause.

I wanted to share this video because I think it is a great educational resource. The doctor who created the video provides one of the best explainations I have seen about how concussions happen and the kind of consequences they can cause.

The video helps parents know what kind of symptoms to look for and what to do to help your child if they have suffered a brain injury.

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Posted in: Brain Injury, Uncategorized

NFL Brain Injury Lawsuit Raises Public Awareness of Dangers of Concussion

by John McKiggan

The New York Times recently reported that 75 former professional football players from the NFL have filed a claim against the National Football League claiming the league was aware that concussions could cause long term brain injury and that the league failed to warn players and properly treat their injuries.

Recently there have been a number of stories in the media surrounding the dangers of concussion and minor traumatic brain injury. Mostly spurred by injuries to professional athletes. See for example:

Hockey Players Losing More Time Due To Concussions

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Posted in: Brain Injury, Child Safety, Head Injuries, Uncategorized