Julian Bailes, M.D., chair of the West Virginia University Department of Neurosurgery, is featured discussing the long-term impact of concussions on NFL football players on ABC’s “Nightline,” tentatively scheduled for Friday evening (Oct. 16).

Dr. Bailes and colleague Bennet Omalu, M.D., a neuropathologist now practicing in California, have studied the brains of almost 20 athletes whose lives took disastrous and baffling turns – all ending in violent deaths at a relatively young age. Their brains were found to have serious damage that Bailes believes was most likely caused by repeated concussions.

Bailes, Omalu and the son of former Pittsburgh Steelers Mike Webster are scheduled to be featured on “Nightline” on ABC stations at 11:30 p.m. Friday and on “Good Morning America Weekend” Saturday (check local listings).

Bailes, Omalu and Wheeling-based attorney Bob Fitzsimmons have established the Brain Injury Group, a brain bank and laboratory to study brain injuries, housed at the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute at WVU.

-WVU-

For More Information:
Amy Johns, HSC News Service, 304-293-7087 johnsa@wvuh.com