MedicalResearch.com - Latest news, interviews, and insights into medical research, health and wellness, fitness and addiction.
Author Interviews, Mental Health Research, Schizophrenia / 07.11.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ian Kelleher PhD, MB BCh BAO (Medicine) Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Academy of Medical Sciences Professor Institute for Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research University of Edinburgh MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response:  Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness associated with hallucinations, delusions and a marked decline in functioning. It usually begins in adulthood, in the 20s, but we know from recent research that as many as half of all individuals who develop schizophrenia had attended child and adolescent psychiatry services earlier in life for other mental health problems. That’s exciting because it suggests: maybe there’s something we could do to reduce risk of schizophrenia in adolescent psychiatry services. But, at present, we don’t have evidence that any intervention reduces schizophrenia risk in this clinical population. Lots of researchers are interested in the antibiotic doxycycline, and the structurally similarly minocycline, because it has potential neuroprotective effects. It crosses the blood brain barrier and seems to reduce inflammation and apoptosis (or programmed cell death). We think that excessive synaptic pruning may play a key role in the development of schizophrenia. In laboratory studies, doxycycline seems to reduce the level of synaptic pruning by its effect on the immune system. Some research suggests that even low dose exposure to doxycycline may lead to long-term effects in “dampening down” activity by microglia, the brain’s resident macrophages, which are central to the process of synaptic pruning. (more…)
Author Interviews, Mental Health Research, Telemedicine / 15.10.2025

Editor's note: This piece discusses mental health issues. If you have experienced suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide and want to seek help, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting "START" to 741-741 or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Today, maintaining mental health is just as important as staying physically fit. Unfortunately, not everyone has the time or access to attend in-person sessions with a therapist. That’s where virtual counseling comes in. A virtual counselor provides professional therapy sessions online, helping people receive support from the comfort of their homes.

What Is a Virtual Counselor?

A virtual counselor is a licensed therapist who conducts sessions online through video calls, phone calls, or messaging. They help individuals manage stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and other emotional challenges. The main goal of a virtual counselor is to make mental health therapy accessible to everyone, especially those living far from therapy centers or managing busy lifestyles. With virtual counseling, therapy has become easier than ever. You can now talk to a trained therapist without worrying about travel time, waiting rooms, or tight schedules. It’s especially helpful for people seeking consistent care and support without disrupting their daily routines. (more…)
Author Interviews, Mental Health Research / 15.10.2025

Editor's note: This piece discusses mental health issues. If you have experienced suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide and want to seek help, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting "START" to 741-741 or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Somatic Psychotherapy When Mara described her panic, she didn’t start with a memory. She started with a body: “My chest tightens and I can’t get my breath,” she said. “Then the memory follows.” That pattern — sensation first, story second — is exactly why traditional talk therapy sometimes stops short. Talking can change our view of a problem. When anxiety, shame, or trauma get trapped in the body, we need to address it. We can do this by focusing on sensations and finding ways to regulate our feelings.  The limits of words alone Talk therapies (such as CBT) are said to be evidence-based for many problems. They help people reframe thoughts, test beliefs and build coping strategies. For some clients these approaches are sufficient. The issue is that if the nervous system becomes dysregulated, cognitive change only provides a short-term solution. People can intellectually understand their patterns without changing them. They will still get “taken over” by bodily reactions — breath changes, tremor, numbness, tension. My clinical experience is that insight without regulation often gives short-lived relief. (more…)
Author Interviews, Autism, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, JAMA / 06.10.2025

Memantine to Treat Social Impairment in Youths With ASD

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Gagan Joshi, MD Director, The Alan & Lorraine Bressler Clinical and Research Program for Autism Spectrum Disorder Associate Director, The Pediatric Psychopharmacology Research Program Associate Program Director, MGH Fellowship in Autism Spectrum Disorder Rovee Endowed Chair in Child Psychiatry Massachusetts General Hospital Associate Professor of Psychiatry Harvard Medical School MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Intellectually capable individuals with autism often face significant challenges in social functioning, yet pharmacologic treatments specifically targeting social impairments are lacking. Our prior neuroimaging research identified abnormally elevated brain glutamate levels in intellectually capable youth with autism, suggesting a potential neurochemical pathway underlying social difficulties. Based on these findings, we examined the effects of memantine—a glutamate-modulating medication—for the treatment of autism. (more…)
Author Interviews, Autism, OBGYNE, Pain Research, Pediatrics / 23.09.2025

Statement from Andrea Baccarelli, MD, PhD Dean of the Faculty Professor of Environmental Health Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Colleagues and I recently conducted a rigorous review, funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), of the potential risks of acetaminophen use during pregnancy. We reviewed 46 previously published human studies worldwide. We found evidence of an association between exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy and increased incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. This association is strongest when acetaminophen is taken for four weeks or longer. (more…)
Addiction, addiction-treatment, Mental Health Research / 04.09.2025

Society as a whole tends to stigmatize addiction as simply a lack of willpower or a moral failing. However, decades of medical research show that addiction is a complex health condition rooted in brain chemistry, genetics, and environment. To truly understand the challenges of recovery and why relapse is so common, we need to look at the scientific layers that shape addictive behaviors.

Addiction as a Brain Disorder

Research has revealed that addiction fundamentally alters the brain’s reward circuitry. Substances such as opioids, alcohol, and stimulants flood the brain with dopamine, creating intense feelings of pleasure and reinforcing repeated use. Over time, the brain adapts to these surges by reducing its natural dopamine production. This leaves individuals struggling to feel pleasure from everyday activities and increasingly reliant on the substance. Neuroimaging studies have shown that addiction impacts the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for decision-making and impulse control. This helps explain why people with addiction may struggle with self-control, even when they want to quit. (more…)
Mental Health Research, Telemedicine / 01.09.2025

If you’ve been managing a long-term condition or living with persistent pain, fatigue, or mental health challenges, you may have found yourself searching online for alternative treatment options. Maybe you typed in “new symptom relief therapies in Australia” or looked up terms like “emerging treatments for chronic conditions.” And maybe, like many people, you’re wondering where to go when the usual care pathways just aren’t helping anymore.  This blog is for anyone who’s felt stuck in the system. It’s not about offering medical advice or recommending one treatment over another. It’s about helping you understand your options, feel more confident in your next steps, and know where to find patient-first support. 

Why So Many Australians Are Searching for Something Different 

Chronic and complex health conditions can leave you feeling exhausted, not just physically, but emotionally too. You might have: 
  • Tried several treatments with little or no success
  • Felt dismissed or not believed by healthcare providers
  • Struggled to explain your symptoms in a way that feels understood
  • Been told “there’s nothing more we can do” even though you’re still suffering
It's no wonder that more Australians are turning to emerging therapies and asking bigger questions about what symptom relief really looks like. For many, it’s not about a cure. It’s about feeling even slightly better: more energy, less pain, better sleep, more clarity.  (more…)
Author Interviews, Mental Health Research, Race/Ethnic Diversity, University of Pennsylvania / 26.08.2025

Mental health is shaped by much more than individual experiences or biology. The social and systemic forces that surround a person—including their identity and environment—play a critical role in determining how they access care, the kind of treatment they receive, and their overall likelihood of facing mental health challenges. This is where the concept of intersectionality offers crucial insight. Originally introduced by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, intersectionality highlights how overlapping social identities—such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, and disability—combine to influence a person’s lived experience. When it comes to mental health, this framework helps us better understand how multiple layers of disadvantage can magnify risks and create barriers to care. (more…)
Author Interviews, Mental Health Research / 25.08.2025

MedicalResearch.com: Maria Y. Tian, MBS Department of Medical Education Geisinger College of Health Sciences Scranton, Pennsylvania MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Schizophrenia-spectrum disorders are severe, disabling conditions that are associated with substantial economic burden. Approximately one-third of patients have treatment-resistant schizophrenia, which clozapine is the only evidence-based therapy for. Clozapine also provides unique benefits, including reduced suicide risk, aggression, and all-cause mortality. Despite this, it has historically been underutilized due to concerns over adverse effects, required blood monitoring, patient adherence, and limited clinician training. Previous research in Medicaid populations had demonstrated marked state-level variation in use, but little was known about prescribing trends in the U.S. Medicare system, which covers nearly half of individuals with schizophrenia. This study analyzed Medicare Part D data from 2015–2020 to assess national and regional trends in clozapine prescribing and to identify states with significantly different prescribing patterns.

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Addiction, Mental Health Research, Tobacco Research / 19.08.2025

Stimulants are substances that increase brain activity, heightening alertness, energy, and focus. Common examples include caffeine, nicotine, and amphetamines. This article explores how these compounds activate the brain’s reward pathway and produce effects that can range from a gentle lift in mood to an intense short-lived “buzz” that reinforces repeated use.

Understanding the Reward Pathway

 The brain’s reward pathway, known as the mesolimbic dopamine system, involves key regions such as the ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, and prefrontal cortex. This network reinforces pleasurable behaviors by releasing dopamine which is a neurotransmitter linked to motivation and reward.  While natural activities like eating or socializing activate this system moderately, stimulants can hijack it. These trigger a much stronger and faster dopamine release. This heightened response can make the experience more compelling that encourages repeated use and increases the potential for dependence over time. (more…)
Author Interviews, Mental Health Research / 10.08.2025

Our minds have a remarkable way of communicating with us, often sending subtle signals long before we're ready to listen. Just as physical pain alerts us to bodily injury, emotional and psychological distress serves as our internal alarm system, indicating when professional support might be necessary. Recognizing these warning signs early can be the difference between managing mental health challenges effectively and allowing them to escalate into more serious conditions.

1. Sleep Patterns Become Unrecognizable

When your relationship with sleep fundamentally changes, it's often one of the earliest indicators that something deeper is happening. This isn't just about the occasional restless night—it's when insomnia becomes your unwelcome companion for weeks, or when you find yourself sleeping fourteen hours and still feeling exhausted. Your sleep cycle acts as a barometer for mental health, reflecting internal turbulence through either hypervigilance that keeps you awake or depression that makes you want to escape into unconsciousness. (more…)
Autism, Environmental Risks, Legal-Malpractice, Pediatrics / 31.07.2025

possible-link-baby-food-autism.jpg In recent years, growing concern has emerged among parents, scientists, and legal professionals over a troubling link: the potential connection between baby food and autism. While research is still ongoing, reports suggest that some mainstream baby food products may contain harmful levels of heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium—substances that can seriously impact early brain development.

What Does the Research Say?

Several government reports, including one by the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy in 2021, revealed that some popular baby food brands were found to have significant levels of toxic heavy metals. These metals are known neurotoxins and have been linked to developmental disorders when exposure occurs during infancy or pregnancy. As a result, some parents have begun filing toxic baby food product liability lawsuits. Although ASD is a complex condition influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, scientists have found that exposure to neurotoxic substances during early development may elevate the risk. Heavy metals, even in trace amounts, can disrupt the delicate neurological development processes in babies, potentially contributing to cognitive delays and behavioral issues commonly associated with ASD. (more…)
Education, Mental Health Research / 29.07.2025

Have you ever felt stuck even though you were doing all the “right” things to feel better? You go to therapy, take your medicine, and still don’t see real change. It can be frustrating, especially when mental health feels like a puzzle with missing pieces. Many people don’t realize that therapy and medication don’t have to work separately. When used together, they can form a powerful team that supports deeper healing. It’s not about choosing one or the other—it’s about knowing how they can support each other. In this blog, we will share how therapy and medicine work hand in hand to support your mental health journey. What You Should Know About LCSW Programs and Mental Health Care Therapy is a personal journey, and the professionals who provide it come from many educational paths. One well-known option for becoming a therapist is through LCSW programs. These programs train future Licensed Clinical Social Workers to support people with mental health needs, addictions, trauma, and more. They offer flexibility and are available to students across the country, helping create more accessible mental health services. LCSW online programs include both academic coursework and hands-on clinical experience, preparing graduates to provide talk therapy and other forms of support. Understanding who provides therapy is important when considering how therapy and medication work together. LCSWs, psychologists, and counselors all help clients explore emotions, learn coping skills, and face challenges. At the same time, medication can help stabilize symptoms so therapy becomes more effective. A strong therapist—such as one trained through an LCSW program—can work with your doctor or psychiatrist to form a complete treatment plan. When both professionals communicate well, clients often see better and faster results. (more…)
Lifestyle & Health, Mindfulness-Wellness / 23.07.2025

Looking to expand your clinic’s services while still maintaining a high standard of expert care? Partnering with a medical director company can support the growth of your wellness brand, ensuring compliance, boosting credibility, and enhancing patient safety. Medical director companies simplify the hiring process, ultimately making scaling easier and more efficient for wellness clinics aiming to expand their business.

What Is a Medical Director Company?

A medical director company, also known as a medical director placement business, is an organization that offers third-party services to match aesthetic and wellness clinics with a qualified medical director. (more…)
Accidents & Violence, Brain Injury, Legal-Malpractice / 23.07.2025

Financial Impact of Traumatic Brain Injuries.jpg When you think of Waco, Texas, maybe the first thing that comes to mind is the strong sense of community or the balance between its small-town vibe and growing city infrastructure. What probably doesn't come to mind right away is how a serious accident, such as a car crash, a fall at work, or even an assault, can drastically change life for someone here. As we know, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) don't care about zip codes. And in places like Waco, where many people rely on physically demanding jobs or even high-responsibility roles in business and education, the effects of a brain injury can be devastating, not just physically, but financially. This is where legal help becomes essential, and a Waco traumatic brain injury lawyer can be the difference between drowning in costs and finding a way to recover financially. (more…)
Addiction, addiction-treatment, Mental Health Research / 22.07.2025

Addiction doesn't wait for a clean calendar or a quiet life. It digs in when people are at their worst and robs them of the small things that made them feel like themselves. Modern psychiatry can't sidestep it anymore, not if we're serious about treating the whole patient, not just the symptoms that fit neatly on a billing code. The old split between mental health and addiction care keeps falling apart because it doesn't reflect how people actually live—or how they actually suffer. The Two-Way Street Between Trauma And Substances It’s rare to meet someone in treatment whose addiction story doesn’t include a chapter on trauma. Whether it’s childhood neglect, violence, or a string of smaller injuries that piled up, trauma sets up the brain to reach for relief wherever it can find it. Substance use offers that relief fast, even if it’s temporary, and the brain learns to chase that escape. But then the substances fuel anxiety, depression, and shame, reinforcing the trauma’s grip. Psychiatrists often see patients who’ve cycled through medication changes for depression or anxiety, only to realize the alcohol or pills they use at night are keeping them sick. The dopamine system doesn’t distinguish between what’s prescribed and what’s poured into a glass; it just wants more of what makes the pain go quiet. Treating trauma and substance use separately ignores how tightly they’re tied together, and patients know it, even if they can’t always articulate it in a clinical interview. (more…)
Addiction, addiction-treatment, Mental Health Research / 17.07.2025

different-types-group-therapy.jpg. When it comes to mental health and emotional well-being, therapy has evolved significantly over the years. One of the most effective and widely used approaches is group therapy. Unlike individual therapy, group therapy involves multiple participants who share their experiences, challenges, and progress in a supportive setting. This format not only fosters connection but also provides unique opportunities for learning and growth that are different from one-on-one sessions. If you’re considering therapy but wondering whether group therapy might be the right fit, this guide will walk you through the various types of group therapy available today. We’ll also touch upon how modern advancements like online relationship counselling are making therapy more accessible and flexible than ever before. (more…)
HBOT, Mindfulness-Wellness / 11.07.2025

hyperbaric-oxygen-at-home-image.jpg Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves breathing air or oxygen in an environment with increased atmospheric pressure, typically inside a specialized chamber. This enhanced pressure enables your blood to carry significantly more oxygen, dramatically boosting your body's natural ability to heal, repair tissues, reduce inflammation, and improve overall health. Home-based HBOT is increasingly popular due to the availability of portable chambers that are both convenient and more affordable. Many individuals prefer taking proactive control of their health without the restrictions associated with clinical visits. In this article, we'll highlight the key advantages of having your own hyperbaric oxygen chamber, including improved recovery, better sleep, chronic pain relief, cognitive benefits, enhanced athletic performance, anti-aging effects, and stronger immunity. (more…)
ADHD, Autism, Education, Mental Health Research / 08.07.2025

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding and improving human behavior. It is widely used in clinical, educational, and organizational settings, with proven success in helping individuals with autism and other developmental disorders. While ABA is a broad field, its foundation is built upon a set of essential guiding principles — often referred to as the 7 Dimensions of ABA. Originally introduced by Baer, Wolf, and Risley in 1968, these dimensions represent the gold standard for what qualifies as effective and ethical ABA practice. In this article, we’ll explore these 7 keys of ABA in depth, explain their significance, and show how they work together to promote meaningful behavior change. Table of Contents
  1. What Are the 7 Keys of ABA?
  2. 1. Applied
  3. 2. Behavioral
  4. 3. Analytic
  5. 4. Technological
  6. 5. Conceptually Systematic
  7. 6. Effective
  8. 7. Generality
  9. Why These Dimensions Matter
  10. Applying the 7 Keys in Real Life
  11. Conclusion
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Mental Health Research / 07.07.2025

Editor's note: This piece discusses mental health issues. If you have experienced suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide and want to seek help, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting "START" to 741-741 or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. For many people navigating mental health conditions, treatment isn’t always as clear-cut as either outpatient therapy or full-time residential care. Somewhere between the two lies a powerful middle ground: partial hospitalization programs (PHPs). These structured, supportive programs can provide intensive care while still allowing individuals to live at home and maintain their daily routines. But what exactly does this level of care involve, and who is it best suited for?

What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program?

A partial hospitalization program is a form of intensive outpatient treatment designed to provide comprehensive support for individuals who need more than weekly therapy, but don’t require 24/7 supervision in a residential facility. Most PHPs operate five to seven days a week, for several hours a day. Patients attend individual and group therapy sessions, receive psychiatric care, and participate in skills-building activities or wellness programs, all while returning home in the evenings. It’s a flexible yet immersive form of treatment that bridges the gap between inpatient and standard outpatient care. PHPs are also beneficial for people who may not feel safe or comfortable in a full residential setting, but still require more engagement than they could receive in weekly therapy. They allow individuals to stay grounded in their personal environments and routines, which can be a stabilizing force during recovery. By integrating daily treatment with real-world responsibilities, patients can apply what they learn in therapy to their everyday lives almost immediately. (more…)
Exercise - Fitness, Mindfulness-Wellness / 28.06.2025

In the evolving world of wellness, infrared sauna therapy has emerged as one of the most sought-after holistic health treatments—and not just for detoxification. While many already recognize its role in promoting sweat and circulation, fewer people know about the broader physical and emotional benefits tied to regular sessions. From reducing chronic stress to improving deep sleep, the impact of infrared therapy goes well beyond the surface. In cities like Salem, where the seasons can influence both mood and physical health, more individuals are turning to non-invasive therapies for balance. In fact, a growing number of wellness clinics now offer infrared sauna therapy in Salem as part of a broader self-care regimen, providing residents with accessible and effective health solutions. If you're considering giving infrared sauna sessions a try, here are seven lesser-known—but incredibly impactful—benefits you may not expect. (more…)
Addiction, addiction-treatment, Health Care Workers, Mindfulness-Wellness / 25.06.2025

Addiction doesn’t just affect the body—it touches every aspect of a person’s life. That’s why many people are turning to holistic drug rehab, which focuses on healing the mind, body, and spirit—not just stopping substance use. If you or a loved one is looking for a more well-rounded approach to recovery, drug rehab in Sacramento that includes holistic treatment could be the path toward deeper, long-lasting healing.

What Is Holistic Drug Rehab?

Holistic rehab integrates traditional evidence-based treatment (like therapy, detox, and medication management) with complementary therapies that support overall wellness. These may include:
  • Yoga and meditation
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Acupuncture and massage therapy
  • Art, music, or nature therapy
  • Mindfulness-based relapse prevention
The goal is to address not just the addiction, but the underlying emotional, physical, and spiritual imbalances that may have contributed to it. (more…)
Mental Health Research / 24.06.2025

In Florida, the Baker Act is a statute under which an individual suspected of potentially injuring himself/herself or causing harm to another by reason of mental illness may be taken for mental health evaluation. The number of involuntary examinations for the fiscal year 2022-2023 was reported to be 173,721 for 111,803 people by the Florida DCF (Department of Children and Families). The Baker Act doesn’t mean someone is being arrested but rather, it’s a way to keep them safe while professionals check their mental health. A qualified professional may limit a patient’s rights to communicate with outside parties, receive or send mail or receive visits. You might come across the terms “baker act 52” and “baker act 32” when dealing with this particular law. The Baker Act 52 vs.32 refers to different parts of the law, and each one works in a slightly different way. (more…)
ADHD / 23.06.2025

Adults can effectively manage ADHD through a combination of self-awareness, evidence-based treatments, lifestyle changes and support systems. While ADHD is commonly associated with childhood, it is estimated that over 2.5% of adults globally continue to experience significant symptoms into adulthood. Left unmanaged, ADHD can impact careers, relationships and mental health, but with the right strategies individuals can thrive.

What Does Adult ADHD Look Like?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults may present differently than in children. While hyperactivity may lessen, difficulties with attention, impulsivity, organization and emotional regulation often persist. Adults with ADHD might struggle with time management, forgetfulness, restlessness or frequent job changes. These challenges can lead to frustration, low self-esteem or even conditions like anxiety or depression. (more…)
Nutrition, Stress / 23.06.2025

Please note: Supplements are generally not FDA tested or approved. Some supplements can interfere with medications and/or cause side effects. Do not delay seeking medical attention for medical concerns by taking supplements without medical advice. If you are experiencing undue fatigue or other symptoms, get a timely medical checkup. Discuss any and all supplements you take with your health care provider.  In an age where nearly everything is engineered for convenience, it seems paradoxical that more people than ever report chronic fatigue, mental fog, and a persistent lack of energy. From office workers glued to screens all day to health-conscious individuals managing their diets and exercise routines, the question arises: why is modern life still leaving so many feeling drained? The paradox lies in the disconnect between energy consumption and energy production at the cellular level. Despite fewer physically demanding activities compared to previous generations, today’s lifestyle places immense stress on biological systems. Diets lacking in critical nutrients, sedentary routines, disrupted circadian rhythms, environmental toxins, and mental overstimulation all contribute to systemic fatigue. Addressing this issue isn’t about caffeine or quick fixes—it requires examining the underlying processes that govern how energy is created, sustained, and distributed throughout the body. (more…)
Author Interviews, Brain Injury, Exercise - Fitness / 21.06.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jenny T. Makhoul, MBS Department of Medical Education Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton, PA 18509 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by repeated head trauma, particularly in contact sports such as American football, boxing, and soccer. It was first described in 1928 as “punch drunk syndrome” and later formally named as CTE by Dr. Bennet Omalu in 2002. It is characterized by cognitive decline, mood disturbances, and motor dysfunction. Recent findings show that even teenage athletes can develop CTE, this is a growing public health issue. Despite increasing awareness, CTE remains diagnosable only post-mortem, and no effective treatments exist. Our focused review explores the sport-specific clinical presentations, neurobiological mechanisms, diagnostic challenges, and the use of rodent models to deepen our understanding and support future prevention development. (more…)