Episode 183: CTE and Transcranial Photobiomodulation (PBM)

<p>My guest, RJ, was a top defensive player in the country as a linebacker at Oregon State University in the 90's. I connected with RJ in the Facebook support group CTE & Brain Injury Global Support - <a href='https://www.facebook.com/groups/164998687455984'>https://www.facebook.com/groups/164998687455984 </a></p> <p>In this interview, RJ discusses his numerous concussions, unsafe training practices, and the desire to play through any pain or medical problem. It was over two decades later that his TBI/CTE symptoms reared their head, a cascade of awful symptoms that were kicked off by a very stressful moment in his life.</p> <p>Fortunately, RJ was proactive and began doing anything he could that might help. He volunteered for a study at the University of Utah TBI and Concussion Center, with 49 other football players where they used photobiomodulation, a type of light therapy. This treatment turned RJ's life around and although he will never be the person he once was, he is in such a better place and making a difference helping others with their struggles.</p> <p>We talk about the importance of not fighting CTE or any struggle on your own and how important it is to be part of a supportive group.</p> <p>He also has put together the non-proft 4CTE by CTE which is in its early stages.</p> <p>Includes the short story "Going Dark" taken from Somber Stroll and narrated by Tee Quillin.</p> <p>Here is an article on the Light study - <a href='https://www.concussionalliance.org/blog/2022/1/25/light-therapy-study-at-the-university-of-utah'>https://www.concussionalliance.org/blog/2022/1/25/light-therapy-study-at-the-university-of-utah</a></p> <p> </p>