Even Low-Level Shocks to the Head Can Cause Concussions, New Research Shows

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 5, 2011) -

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Editors Note: A photo for this release will be available via Marketwire on the picture wire of The Canadian Press.

Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital will release new research on Thursday about how traumatic brain injuries such as concussions cause physical changes to the brain.

The groundbreaking work will be presented as part of the celebration of the hospital's new Keenan Research Centre. Federal Industry Minister Tony Clement will speak at an event for donors later in the morning.

The centre, and an adjacent education centre, are among the first in the world and the only ones in Toronto especially built to bring researchers, physicians and educators together to share insights and ultimately speed the delivery of best practices to the bedside.

The number of concussions being diagnosed in Canada is rising, in part because doctors are better able to recognize the symptoms. The public and the media are also more aware of the issue after several high-profile athletes have been sidelines by concussions or had their sports careers ended.

The research will be presented by Dr. Andrew Baker, the hospital's chief of critical care. Also attending the news conference will be:

- Master Cpl. Michael Blois, a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, who suffered a traumatic brain injury after his LAV III armoured vehicle was attacked by rocket-propelled grenades for four hours in Afghanistan. Master Cpl. Blois was treated at St. Michael's Head Injury Clinic, which is the largest of its kind in Canada.

- Dr. Michael Cusimano, a neurosurgeon who was among the first to warn of the dangers of bodychecking and head injuries in sports, especially among young athletes

- Nick Kypreos, whose National Hockey League career ended when he suffered a concussion