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Multi-Specialty Concussion Writing Panel

Advocacy

AAPM&R has convened a multi-specialty Concussion Writing Panel to conduct an evidence-based literature review of the role that exercise, rest and education play in the treatment of concussion. This multi-year effort first began as a strategic planning summit on physiatry and concussion back in August 2016, where Academy members discussed research, physiatric training in concussion, and the heightened attention on concussion in the media. They noted that the lack of access to appropriate treatment and negative press around sports concussions is fueling the misconception that concussion is always a disabling condition, which is further leading to problematic levels of inactivity. The group also crafted a catch-phrase for describing physiatry’s role in treating concussions: Powering the Brain to Recovery.

AAPM&R is well-positioned to lead this effort as physiatrists are uniquely qualified to care for brain injury patients. PM&R physicians understand the complexities of this disease, are experts in designing comprehensive, patient-centered treatment plans and work as integral members of the care team who treat these patients.

The panel is chaired by Dr. Arthur De Luigi, DO, FAAPMR and includes some of the leading minds in concussion treatment; with member representation from: AAPM&R, American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American Academy of Neurology (AAN), American Academy of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), American Medical Society of Sports Medicine (AMSSM) and American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM). Thank you to this panel of dedicated volunteers!

  • Arthur J. De Luigi, DO, AAMP&R, Panel Chair
  • Kathleen Bell, MD, AAPM&R
  • J.P. Bramhall, MD, AOSSM
  • Meeryo Choe, MD, AAN
  • Katherine Dec, MD, AMSSM
  • Jonathan Finnoff, DO, AAPM&R
  • Mark Halstead, MD, AAP
  • Stanley Herring, MD, AAPM&R and ACSM
  • Jason Matuszak, MD, AAFP
  • Patricia Raksin, MD, AANS
  • Jennifer Swanson, Medical Writer
 “As a specialty that works extensively in treating concussion and traumatic brain injury, there was a growing interest from our brain injury physiatrists to get involved with other leaders in this field who work with concussed patients. With our work, we hope to increase public awareness on this important issue and demonstrate how AAPM&R is leading this effort to give the medical public the best options for treatment. Unfortunately, some options haven’t been thoroughly investigated and need to be—that’s the aim of this Writing Panel—to provide proven, evidence-based consensus on treating concussion across all specialties.” – Arthur J. De Luigi, DO, AAMP&R, Panel Chair