The Latest in Concussion Research with Dr. Munro Cullum

Dr. Peter Arnett, Immediate Past President of NAN, hosts the podcast this week and welcomes Dr. Munro Cullum, PhD, ABPP, Professor of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurological Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where he holds the Pamela Blumenthal Distinguished Professorship in clinical psychology, to the show. A board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, Dr. Cullum has been involved in research, teaching, and clinical practice in neuropsychology, serving his field in multiple roles at the national level and contributing to major organizations over the past 30 years of his career. Currently the President of the Sports Neuropsychology Society, Dr. Cullum’s research focuses in part on the short and long term effects of concussions, and today he brings his vast amount of knowledge and experience in this area to this informative and fascinating conversation.   He begins by describing how he got started in studying sports concussions, and then goes on to examine baseline testing, the validity concerns associated with it, and alternative assessment models to be considered. He also reviews such aspects of concussions as common symptoms, recovery times and protocols, lingering symptoms, post-concussion syndrome, as well as how anxiety and depression can become factors in concussions. Neuroimaging, managing athletes with concussions, blood testing, and the risk of later life problems are also explored. The episode concludes as Dr. Cullum shares his advice regarding when athletes should consider retirement, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome, as well as his final thoughts for listeners. Bringing information from the forefront of research into the science of concussions, Dr. Cullum offers a masterclass here today in understanding and treating this increasingly common condition as he continues to fulfill his stated mission of educating the general public about this timely and essential topic.   Episode Highlights:   Dr. Cullum’s start in studying sports concussi