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Symposium

Neurodegenerative Disease

Athlete Development & Sports Rehabilitation

Brain Injury

Motor Neuron Disease Following Repetitive Traumatic Brain Injury 9622

Saturday, November 2, 2024
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM  
Location:  ROOM: Monet REGION: Tower Mezzanine Level >>> DIRECTIONS: Exit Tower elevators on Mezzanine level. Proceed straight ahead, past the skylight. Monet is the straight ahead.
Credit Hours: Not Eligible for CE Credit

    Corresponding Presenter(s)

  • Daniel H. Daneshvar, MD, PhD

    Chief of Brain Injury Rehabilitation
    Harvard Medical School
    Charlestown, MA, United States

    • Presenter(s)

  • RZ

    Ross Zafonte

    Earle P. and Ida S. Charlton Professor
    Spaulding/Harvard Medical School
    Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States

This presentation delves into the intricate relationship between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), with a special emphasis on repeated head impacts (RHI) experienced in contact sports and military service. It explores the epidemiological evidence showing a significantly increased risk of ALS among individuals with a history of TBI, suggesting a potential dose-response effect where longer exposure to RHI correlates with higher ALS risk. The talk further examines pathological findings, highlighting the role of TDP-43 positive inclusions as a common denominator in the neurodegenerative processes linked to both ALS and TBI. Additionally, it discusses recent advances in ALS therapeutics, notably the CENTAUR trial, which offers hope for slowing the progression of this fatal disease. This synthesis aims to enhance understanding within the medical community about the intersection of ALS and TBI, underscoring the importance of continued research and interdisciplinary approaches to address this critical public health issue.

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Learning Objectives:

  • Discuss the link between ALS and TBI, recognizing the increased risk of ALS in individuals with a history of traumatic brain injury, especially due to repeated head impacts in sports and military contexts.
  • Define the pathological mechanisms that connect TBI to ALS, focusing on the role of TDP-43 proteinopathy and the impact of repeated injuries on ALS development.
  • Identify recent advancements in ALS treatment and their implications for TBI-induced ALS, including key outcomes from significant trials.
  • Comprehend the unique clinical manifestations of TBI-induced ALS, including differences in symptoms and treatment considerations.
  • Engage in discussions on future research directions and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to improve understanding and treatment of ALS in the context of TBI.
Disclosure(s):
Daniel H. Daneshvar, MD, PhD: StataDx: Advisory Board (Ongoing), Royalties (Ongoing)