Amanda Glueck, PhD

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States (Taylor et al. 2017). Approximately 1.5 million people seek medical attention annually for mild TBI (mTBI)/concussions, and all TBI related costs contribute to approximately $76 million in medical expenses and lost wages in the United States (Finkelstein et al. 2006,Coronado et al. 2012). While most patients see resolution of symptoms within 2-14 days post-injury, 20% suffer persistent and complex symptomatology ranging from months to years, primarily with headache and cognitive impairment (Iverson 2005). Yet, based on the most recent consensus guidelines, medical guidance for recovery from mTBI/concussions is limited to physician monitoring until spontaneous symptom resolution, with limited to no direct intervention (McCrory et al. 2017). To date, research involving physical and cognitive rest is contradictory (Moser et al. 2012, Majerske et al. 2008). Additionally, there is little emprical evidence for active recovery rehabilitation interventions in the mTBI literature. Therefore, it is important to identify any potential intervention that can directly and functionally aid in mTBI/concussion recovery. Currently, Dr. Glueck is focused on exploring novel interventions to aid in recovery for individuals with mild cognitive impairment due to injury.