Sports Neurology

Neurological injuries can happen anywhere – at home, at work, or on the field. At Boston University, evaluation and management of sport-related neurological injuries is carried out by a team of dedicated professionals with extensive training. We understand that proper and timely care for a variety of ailments can lead to sooner return to desired activity, and we provide neurological care in several different locations to improve evaluation and recovery. However, sport-related injuries are not merely limited to participation in sports, and can occur in situations such as motor vehicle collisions, falls, and assaults, to name a few. Additionally, the consequences of participation in sport-related activities can lead to neurological problems months, or even years, after participation ends. Our team of experts can help with diagnosis and treatment options for athletes at any point in their careers.

Some examples of the conditions we treat are listed below:

Available Treatments

We provide a variety of outpatient therapies and interventions depending upon the problem. We offer dedicated Concussion rehabilitation at all three locations including the Ryan Center at Boston University, Boston Medical Center, and Encompass Braintree Rehabilitation hospital. In the clinic, we can provide manual therapy or injections for musculoskeletal pain, or discuss more invasive techniques with the Pain Management Group .

Through our connection with the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy centers, we can help patients decide if participation in research-based programs are good options.

Research

Of the many ongoing clinical research projects at Boston University, our Sports Neurology division is most involved with the DIAGNOSE CTE and HOPE studies which evaluate the causes and risks for memory and behavioral symptoms after repetitive head injuries. We are also working with the Boston University Sports Medicine and Pediatric Neurology departments to determine better and more effective means for management of concussion and post-concussion syndrome.

Education

A dedicated Sports Neurology post-residency training program is currently in development. Our faculty are involved in the training and education of medical students and neurology residents at Boston University Medical Center, as well as with athletic training residents at Boston University. We also provide outreach programs for the neighborhood health clinics around Boston to educate primary care providers on proper initial evaluation and treatments for sport-related neurological injuries.

Referrals

Many of the patients seen in our clinics are referred from acute care hospitals, emergency departments, or primary care personnel. Self-referral is also welcome. For more information on scheduling, please call any of the following locations:

1. Boston Medical Center: 617-638-8456
2. Boston University Ryan Center: 617-358-3400
3. Encompass Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital: 781-848-5363 x2265

Faculty

1. Jason L Weller, MD
2. Douglas I Katz, MD
3. Brigid Dwyer, MD
4. Alcy Torres, MD

Listen to the podcasts:

“Concussion Q&A” (Dr. Jason L. Weller discusses non-sports related concussions in adults).

“Baseline Concussion Screening for Teen Athletes” (Dr. Alcy Torres discusses baseline concussion screening for teen athletes and how concussions usually heal with a combination of time and rest and that when a patient gets a clean bill of health and shows the appropriate cognitive and physical recovery, they can return to their sport and daily activities.)