Despite the fact that concussions are common among athletes and service personnel, it is difficult to diagnose and prevent them.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported more than 1,000,000 sports-related deaths. traumatic brain injuriesEach year, in the U.S. striking middle-schoolers and pro football players alike. Nearly 90 percent of all TBI-related deaths, hospitalizations, and ER visits each annual are due to concussions.

Recent statements by President Obama emphasized the importance of better brain research, especially in relation to TBIs. Congress will soon examine the BRAIN Initiative, which has been compared to the Human Genome Project. Eric Cantor of the House Majority has shown support early.

The Coalition for Concussion Treatment (#C4CT), was established to help athletes and soldiers with TBIs connect with doctors and business leaders who can assist. The #C4CT will hold a Concussion Awareness Summit at Minneapolis Club, Minnesota on Friday, June 21st to examine gaps in TBI treatment, new approaches, and long-term consequences.

One Mind for Research will receive part of the summit’s funds. The Gemini Program is a new initiative to treat TBI. It will track between 3,000 and 5,000 patients and offer better diagnostics and treatment. The Wounded Warrior Program awarded $3.5 million in matching grant.

“TBIs and their effects on amateur and professional football players are emerging as a rallying point to better understand the brain and treatments,”Gerald E. Commissiong, an ex-college football and hockey player, was also president and CEO, Amarantus BioScience Holdings, Inc., which is part of #C4CT. “We are proud to be among the first to unite the groups affected.”

Amarantuswww.Amarantus.comEarly results for ) are promising. Its primary therapeutic program, called Mesencephalic-Astrocyte-derived Neurotrophic Factor (MANF), shows the ability to treat concussions.

Amarantus is not the only leg of #C4CT, as are advisory firm Brewer Sports International BSI, Toi Cook Management Group TCMG and Banyan Biomarkers. Banyan Biomarkers is currently funding a $26.3million contract with the Department of Defense to fund a 2,000-subject clinical trial.

“As an ex-NFL player, I experienced hundreds of violent collisions, and have teammates and friends who suffer the lasting effects of TBI,”Jack Brewer, Chief Executive Officer at BSI. “Now it’s up to all NFL players to use our influence to catalyze research in TBI.”