Multiple media outlets have tapped into the expertise of UW–Madison’s Julie Stamm in recent discussions about concussion treatment and management.
In an article for Wisconsin Public Radio, headlined “Rest is not necessarily best: A new approach to concussion treatment,” Stamm shares her journey into the field of concussion research, which began during her time as an athletic trainer at UW–Madison. She emphasizes the importance of engaging in light physical activity following a concussion, noting that recent studies suggest mild exercise can facilitate recovery.
“We used to say, ‘Lock them in a dark room and that will solve the problem eventually. We don’t want to exacerbate symptoms at all,’” said Stamm, a clinical assistant professor in the School of Education’s Department of Kinesiology and the author of “The Brain on Youth Sports: The Science, the Myths, and the Future.”
“But now we know that a little bit of symptom exacerbation can be okay.”
In a related piece for TODAY, “Aaron Hernandez’s brain showed signs of severe CTE: What to know ahead of new series,” Stamm provides insights into the challenges of diagnosing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). She explains that because CTE can only be confirmed post-mortem through microscopic examination of the brain, “it’s impossible to know how common the condition actually is.”
Furthermore, Stamm’s voice is echoed in a PBS Oklahoma segment titled, “InDepth discussion: Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion sparks concerns for Oklahoma student athletes.” In this segment, she stresses the importance of education regarding concussion protocols, stating, “I think there’s much more effort going into education now, and the education has improved, but it needs to be more in many places.”
Stamm also underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to concussion management.
Learn more about Julie Stamm’s work and research.