Researchers at Saint Louis University have teamed up with the Department of Defense as they conduct research on traumatic brain injury. Dr. Richard Bucholz, director of the Saint Louis University Advanced Neurosurgical Innovation Center (SANIC) and his colleagues 
have received a grant from the DOD to study the brains of service members coming back from the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
This research study “Evidenced Based Neurodiagnostic Imaging of Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder” does not only include those who have served in the military. It is a currently ongoing study that is seeking male individuals who have suffered traumatic brain injuries since 2002.
Study participants are being sought after both civilian and military who have suffered traumatic brain injuries since 2002. Those participants are compensated for their time spent participating in the study and will have several tests done over a two-day period.
Day One includes a baseline evaluation and neurocognitive testing. These will test brain function and the ability to respond or react to questions and complete tasks.
Day Two consists of numerous imaging tests being completed over several hours. These include tests such as a PET scan and CT scan which together examine the chemical activity of the brain. Another test completed is an MEG. This test takes a couple of hours and measures electrical activity of the brain. Lastly a functional MRI is completed which will examine what parts of the brain are working when specific tasks are being completed.
Researchers are hoping that this study will help them to further understand the differences and similarities between traumatic brain injuries (AKA concussions) and post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, they hope to explore the differences in the way the brain works after a brain injury compared to a “normal” functioning brain. This will help us not only on the battlefield, but also on the frontlines of athletics!
If you would like to find out more about this study or believe you may be a qualified candidate for participation, please visit the website here.
The Concussion Blog 
My name is Brian Buchholz I was born 9/22/1967- I suffered three concussions in my life
1st concussion-playing hockey 6yrs old- I don’t really remember much
2nd concusssion-playing hockey 12 years old- I remember getting back to the bench but
never regained memory of the rest of the game I played. I remember untying
my skates not recognizing anyone (not even my dad). After a few hours I
started to remember everything other than the time from getting to the bench
in the 2nd period until taking off my ice skates after the game ended.
3rd concussions-playing hockey 17 years old- I was out for a brief moment and remember
everything other than that momment just prior to getting hit.
I’m not sure about the long term affects of these events. Five years ago I lost a child (21yrs old) in a car accident and my memory has been off since the loss. I wasn’t sure
if it was a conbination of the loss and my concussions. And I don’t now if my case
would be of any assistance, but I’m willing to assist if it would help others in the future.
Cordially,
Brian Buchholz
Brian,
Thanks for sharing your story… If you would like to write something further and longer about it I can feature it here on the blog… Let me know…