Concussion & Traumatic Brain Injury in Indigenous Communities: Practical, Culturally Informed Care

August 2025 Guest Speaker: Yvette Brown-Shirley, MD - Assistant Professor of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute- Phoenix AZ Concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI) affect Indigenous communities in unique ways. In this session, Mayo Clinic experts share practical, culturally informed guidance—from recognition and imaging to return-to-play, rehabilitation, and care coordination—so clinicians, school partners, and community leaders can support safer recoveries and stronger systems of care. What you’ll learn • Clear definitions of concussion and TBI, plus symptom domains to assess • When to use CT vs. MRI and how to interpret results in context • Return-to-play timelines, recovery strategies, and patient counseling • Barriers to access, telehealth options, and programs that build local capacity • Cultural considerations, care coordination across tribal/outside systems, and long-term sequelae • Pediatric considerations, youth engagement, and community prevention efforts Who this is for Clinicians, athletic trainers/coaches, school staff, community health workers, and anyone supporting Indigenous patients and families. 0:00 Welcome, Housekeeping, and Session Overview 1:54 Speaker Introduction and Indigenous TBI Focus 4:46 Disclosures and TBI Burden in Communities 6:40 Concussion Basics: Definition and Key Concepts 7:37 Classification, Evaluation Settings, and Imaging Basics 9:32 Exam Workflow and Symptom Domains Overview 12:21 Complex TBI Clinic Approach and Referrals 14:13 Social Determinants and Population Considerations 15:09 Access Barriers, Rehabilitation Options, and Telehealth 16:06 Community Prevention, Screening, and Baseline Assessments 18:00 Imaging Indications: CT Versus MRI 18:57 Return-to-Play and Recovery Strategies 20:51 Case Examples: Sports, Assaults, and Falls 21:48 Cultural Considerations and Care Coordination 23:42 Long-Term Sequelae and Return to Work 24:39 Capacity Building, Resources, and Partnerships 26:33 Q&A Highlights and Program Announcements 29:24 Data Gaps, EHR Issues, and Research Needs 30:21 Pediatrics and Youth: Follow-Up and Programs 47:30 Neurorehabilitation Roles and Assault-Related Risk 57:59 Final Clarifications, Slides, and Contact Information This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Patients should consult their health care professional for personalized guidance. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and don’t represent Mayo Clinic. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox, sign-up for free: https://mayocl.in/3e71zfi Visit Mayo Clinic: https://mayocl.in/2COVmlm Like Mayo Clinic on Facebook:   / mayoclinic   Follow Mayo Clinic on Instagram:   / mayoclinic   Follow Mayo Clinic on X, formerly Twitter: https://x.com/MayoClinic Follow Mayo Clinic on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mayoclinic