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J Neurotrauma 2019 Feb 16. Epub 2019 Feb 16.

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Department of Neurological Surgery , 1211 Medical Center Drive , Dept of Neurosurgery - T-4224 Medical Center North , Nashville, Tennessee, United States , 37212 ;

Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is characterized by persistent cognitive, somatic, and emotional symptoms after a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Genetic and other biological variables may contribute to PCS etiology, and the emergence of biobanks linked to electronic health records (EHR) offers new opportunities for research on PCS. We sought to validate the use of EHR data of PCS patients by comparing two diagnostic algorithms deployed in the Vanderbilt University Medical Center de-identified database of 2. Read More

Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 2019 Feb 13. Epub 2019 Feb 13.

, Berkeley, CA, USA.

Purpose Of Review: Post-concussion syndrome (PCS), when the patient's concussion symptoms last longer than 4-6 weeks, affects 10-30% of concussion patients. PCS presents a significant source of morbidity to patients and a management challenge to providers. In this review, we present the current evidence and best management approaches for pediatric PCS. Read More

Ment Illn 2018 Nov 20;10(2):7901. Epub 2018 Dec 20.

University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.

The retrospective diagnosis of concussion is often missed by clinicians. We present a brief scale for retrospective assessment of the immediate concussion symptoms (ICS) to facilitate the diagnosis of patients without visible head injury or full loss of consciousness. We administered the scale to 90 survivors of car accidents (mean age 42. Read More

Sports Med 2019 Feb 11. Epub 2019 Feb 11.

Department of Nutrition, Food, and Exercise Sciences, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.

Clinical management of concussion has evolved over the last 20 years, and complete cognitive and physical rest remains a common clinical recommendation. The duration of rest may vary widely, from 24-48 h to several weeks or until the patient's symptoms have resolved or returned to near baseline levels. Following a period of rest, a stepwise progression of exercise is used for gradual return to play or to work. Read More

Mayo Clin Proc 2019 Feb;94(2):275-277

Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. Electronic address:

The development of postconcussion syndrome after traumatic brain injury can result in a wide range of potentially debilitating symptoms that includes headaches, cognitive dysfunction, and mood disorders. Unfortunately, data on helpful medications are quite limited, particularly on the treatment of persistent headaches attributed to trauma. This retrospective medical record review used data collected from patients with a diagnosis of postconcussion syndrome in Mayo Clinic's Neurology and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinics to evaluate the response of postconcussive symptoms to amantadine. Read More

J Neurol Sci 2018 Dec 22;398:91-97. Epub 2018 Dec 22.

Department of Psychiatry, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, NY 14214, United States.

Objective: This study investigated the diagnostic and prognostic value of the King-Devick (K-D) test in conjunction with treadmill testing in adolescents after sport-related concussion (SRC) in an outpatient concussion management clinic without baseline measures.

Design: Prospective cohort.

Methods: The K-D test was administered pre- and post-exercise on a graded treadmill test to acutely concussed (AC, <10 days from injury, n = 46, 15. Read More

Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2019 Jan 28. Epub 2019 Jan 28.

Department of Neurosurgery, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.

Background: When participating in contact sports, (mild) head trauma is a common incident-observed in both professional and amateur sports. When head trauma results in transient neurological impairment, a sports-related concussion has occurred. Acute concussion, repetitive concussions, as well as cumulative "sub-concussive" head impacts may increase the risk of developing cognitive and behavioral deficits for athletes, as well as accelerated cerebral degeneration. Read More

Brain Inj 2019 19;33(4):534-542. Epub 2019 Jan 19.

b Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute , University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta , Canada.

Objective: To determine if chronic changes in mitochondrial function occur following a mild traumatic brain injury in young rats.

Research Design: Closed-head, weight drop model was used to cause mTBI by applying rotational forces to the brain without surgery. Behavioral battery was used to assess multiple dimensions of impairment across time. Read More

Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2019 01;23(1):4-5

Dept of Paediatric Neurology, Erasmus University, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Electronic address:

Data Brief 2019 Feb 2;22:570-573. Epub 2018 Feb 2.

AU MRI Research Center, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.

This article provides data for five different neuropsychiatric disorders-Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Alzheimer's Disease, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Post-Concussion Syndrome-along with healthy controls. The data includes clinical diagnostic labels, phenotypic variables, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging connectivity features obtained from individuals. In addition, it provides the source MATLAB codes used for data analyses. Read More

BMC Med Educ 2019 Jan 9;19(1):17. Epub 2019 Jan 9.

School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan, ART 180, 3333 University Way, Kelowna, V1V 1V7, BC, Canada.

Background: An integrated curriculum is designed to be repetitive yet progressive and the concept has rapidly established itself within medical education. National organizations have recommended a shift to a spiral curriculum design, which uses both vertical and horizontal integration. This study examined differences between the recently implemented integrated spiral (class of 2019) and conventional block (classes of 2016-2018) MD curricula at the University of British Columbia (UBC) with respect to knowledge of concussion. Read More

Front Neurol 2018 19;9:1113. Epub 2018 Dec 19.

Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany.

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) presents a substantial burden to patients, families, and health care systems. Whereas, recovery can be expected in the majority of patients, a subset continues to report persisting somatic, cognitive, emotional, and/or behavioral problems, generally referred to as post-concussion syndrome (PCS). However, this term has been the subject of debate since the mechanisms underlying post-concussion symptoms and the role of pre- and post-injury-related factors are still poorly understood. Read More

Biol Psychiatry Cogn Neurosci Neuroimaging 2019 Jan 29;4(1):81-90. Epub 2018 Oct 29.

School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Brain Dynamics Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Australia. Electronic address:

Background: Debate exists over the extent to which dysfunctions arising from mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) are distinct from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Methods: This study investigated 1) the white matter integrity of participants with either mTBI or PTSD, and 2) the relationship between white matter integrity and postconcussive syndrome. The sample comprised 110 civilians (mTBI group = 40; PTSD group = 32; age- and sex-matched trauma-exposed control subjects = 38) recruited from community advertising. Read More

Neuropsychol Rehabil 2018 Dec 18:1-14. Epub 2018 Dec 18.

c Epworth Centre for Innovation in Mental Health , Epworth HealthCare , Camberwell , Victoria , Australia.

This study investigated whether coping style and/or illness perceptions are related to the severity of self-reported post-concussion syndrome (PCS) symptoms in the post-acute period after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). We hypothesised that reporting of early and late enduring-type PCS symptomatology (self-reported symptoms) would be significantly and negatively associated with: (a) an active "approach" coping style and (b) the belief that the injury would have negative consequences on the respondent's life. Using a prospective observational design we assessed 61 pre-morbidly healthy individuals who were admitted to hospital after an mTBI. Read More

Injury 2018 Dec 7. Epub 2018 Dec 7.

Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Emergency Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Electronic address:

A subset of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients experience post-concussion symptoms. When a cluster of post-concussion symptoms persists for over three months, it is referred to as post-concussion syndrome (PCS). Little is known about the association between PCS and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) after mTBI. Read More

Exp Ther Med 2018 Dec 26;16(6):4918. Epub 2018 Sep 26.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018. Read More

J Neurosurg 2018 Nov 1:1-8. Epub 2018 Nov 1.

1Injury Prevention Research Office, St. Michael's Hospital.

OBJECTIVEArtificial neural networks (ANNs) have shown considerable promise as decision support tools in medicine, including neurosurgery. However, their use in concussion and postconcussion syndrome (PCS) has been limited. The authors explore the value of using an ANN to identify patients with concussion/PCS based on their antisaccade performance. Read More

J Neurotrauma 2019 Jan 11. Epub 2019 Jan 11.

3 British Columbia Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Most patients with primary headache disorders identify environmental stimuli (e.g., visual glare), situational factors (e. Read More

Handb Clin Neurol 2018 ;158:323-333

Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden; Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden.

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neuropathologic condition that has been described in individuals who have been exposed to repetitive head impacts, including concussions and subconcussive trauma. CTE cannot currently be diagnosed during life. Clinical symptoms of CTE (including changes in mood, behavior, and cognition) are nonspecific and may develop after a latency phase following the injuries. Read More

Handb Clin Neurol 2018 ;158:163-178

Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States. Electronic address:

Postconcussion syndrome (PCS) is a heterogeneous condition comprised of a set of signs and symptoms in somatic, cognitive, and emotional domains. PCS is a controversial concept because of differing consensus criteria, variability in presentation, and lack of specificity to concussion. Whereas symptoms of concussion resolve in most individuals over days to weeks, a minority of individuals experience symptoms persisting months to years. Read More

Handb Clin Neurol 2018 ;158:127-134

Pediatric Neurology and Pediatric Sleep Program, Department of Pediatrics, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Lake Success, NY, United States. Electronic address:

Sleep disorders are a common sequel of sports-related concussion. Sleep-wake dysfunction can vary among patients, independent of cause or severity of concussive injury. The pathogenesis of postconcussive sleep disorder is unclear, but may be related to impaired signaling in neurons involved in normal sleep-wake control and circadian rhythm maintenance. Read More

J Intern Med 2018 Nov 27. Epub 2018 Nov 27.

Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is clinically divided into a spectrum of severities, with mild TBI being the least severe form and a frequent occurrence in contact sports, such as ice hockey, American football, rugby, horse riding and boxing. Mild TBI is caused by blunt nonpenetrating head trauma that causes movement of the brain and stretching and tearing of axons, with diffuse axonal injury being a central pathogenic mechanism. Mild TBI is in principle synonymous with concussion; both have similar criteria in which the most important elements are acute alteration or loss of consciousness and/or post-traumatic amnesia following head trauma and no apparent brain changes on standard neuroimaging. Read More

J Headache Pain 2018 Nov 21;19(1):112. Epub 2018 Nov 21.

College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Hawassa University, P.O.BOX: 1560, Hawassa, Ethiopia.

Introduction: Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is defined as the presence of 3 or more of the following signs and symptoms after experiencing head injury such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, difficulty of concentration or memory difficulty. In Ethiopia, even though there was no research conducted on post-concussion syndrome, it is common health problems after experiencing head trauma that affect the productive age group, which directly or indirectly influences the development of the country.

Objective: To assess the prevalence and determinants of post-concussion syndrome among patients experiencing head injury attending emergency department of Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized hospital, Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia. Read More

Headache 2018 Nov 19. Epub 2018 Nov 19.

Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

Objective: To examine the association of commonly prescribed post-concussive medications, namely gabapentin and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), with symptom reduction after concussion.

Background: Concussion is a common diagnosis in modern medicine. Many providers use medication to target the residual symptoms of a concussion, with little evidence supporting their efficacy. Read More

Res Sports Med 2018 ;26(sup1):199-211

a Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology and Departments of Pediatrics and Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine , University of Calgary , Calgary , Canada.

Youth have very high participation and injury rates across sport and recreational activities, including in adventure and extreme sports. Sport and recreation is the leading cause of injury in youth and may lead to lower levels of physical activity, higher adiposity, and long-term consequences such as overweight/obesity, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, and post-concussion syndrome which can adversely affect future health. Injuries are predictable and preventable in youth sport, including adventure and extreme sport. Read More

J Rehabil Med 2019 01;51(1):32-39

Department of Psychology, Monash University, Clayton, AU-3800, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Objectives: Debate regarding factors associated with persistent symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury continues. Nested within a trial aiming to change practice in emergency department management of mild traumatic brain injury, this study investigated the nature of persistent symptoms, work/study outcomes, anxiety and quality of life and factors associated with persistent symptoms following injury, including the impact of receiving information about mild traumatic brain injuries in the emergency department.

Methods: A total of 343 individuals with mild traumatic brain injury completed the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale - Anxiety Scale, and Quality of Life - Short Form in average 7 months post-injury. Read More

Cephalalgia 2018 Nov 8:333102418812091. Epub 2018 Nov 8.

2 University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.

Aim: To explore post traumatic headache characteristics and risk factors in compensation claimants by observational retrospective cohort analysis.

Case Results: Medicolegal reports on 116 consecutive compensation claimants aged 41.9 ± 15. Read More

Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2018 Nov 5;18(12):104. Epub 2018 Nov 5.

Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.

Purpose Of Review: Sport-related concussion (SRC) and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) have been thrust into the national spotlight, with youth athletes bearing the burden of this public health problem. The current review aims to provide a practical summary of pediatric SRC, including key terminology, return to play/school, and risk factors for post-concussion syndrome (PCS).

Recent Findings: While the majority of youth athletes recover within 2 to 4 weeks, approximately 10% of athletes experience a protracted recovery with symptoms lasting months, impacting social, scholastic, and sporting activities. Read More

Front Appl Math Stat 2018 09 25;4. Epub 2018 Sep 25.

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, AU MRI Research Center, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.

Many brain-based disorders are traditionally diagnosed based on clinical interviews and behavioral assessments, which are recognized to be largely imperfect. Therefore, it is necessary to establish neuroimaging-based biomarkers to improve diagnostic precision. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) is a promising technique for the characterization and classification of varying disorders. Read More

J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2019 Jan 31;25(1):90-100. Epub 2018 Oct 31.

University of Colorado ColoradoSprings.

Objectives: The current study aimed to examine if televised media about mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) framed in a sensationalized manner had a negative impact on cognitive functioning and persistent mTBI symptoms.

Methods: One hundred two participants (M Age=37.16; SD=22. Read More

Int J Psychiatry Med 2018 Oct 18:91217418805208. Epub 2018 Oct 18.

1 Department of Family Medicine, Trident/Medical University of South Carolina Family Medicine Residency Program, Charleston, SC, USA.

Sport-related concussions in youth and adolescent athletes most commonly resolve within one week without residual symptoms, with athletes resuming full participation following return to play guidelines. A small percentage of athletes have persistent symptoms that cause significant morbidity, some of whom are ultimately diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. In these athletes, symptoms in the emotional domain can be more prolonged than other domains, with athletes reporting anxiety and depression months to years following injury. Read More

Trials 2018 Oct 12;19(1):555. Epub 2018 Oct 12.

INSERM, ISPED, Bordeaux Population Health research center INSERM U1219 - "Injury Epidemiology Transport Occupation" team, Bordeaux Cedex, France.

Background: Recent data suggest that 10-20% of injury patients will suffer for several months after the event from diverse symptoms, generally referred to as post-concussion-like symptoms (PCLS), which will lead to a decline in quality of life. A preliminary randomized control trial suggested that this condition may be induced by the stress experienced during the event or emergency room (ER) stay and can be prevented in up to 75% of patients with a single, early, short eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) psychotherapeutic session delivered in the ER. The protocol of the SOFTER 3 study was designed to compare the impact on 3-month PCLS of early EMDR intervention and usual care in patients presenting at the ER. Read More

Can J Neurol Sci 2018 Nov 8;45(6):636-642. Epub 2018 Oct 8.

1Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases,University of Toronto,Toronto,Ontario,Canada.

Background: Certain factors such as age and gender seem to affect the risk of developing post-concussion syndrome (PCS). We assessed the interactions between age, gender, concussion history and mechanism of injury in PCS patients so that a better understanding could guide the development of targeted prevention strategies.

Methods: Demographic data including age, gender, concussion mechanism of injury and concussion history were collected from (1) a prospective study evaluating PCS biomarkers and (2) a retrospective chart review of PCS patients. Read More

J Pain Res 2018 20;11:1927-1936. Epub 2018 Sep 20.

Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.

Background: The polytrauma clinical triad (PCT) is a complex disorder composed of three comorbid diagnoses of chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and postconcussion syndrome (PCS). PCT has been documented in veterans returning from deployment, but this is the first report on PCT prevalence in nonmilitary personnel after a motor vehicle collision (MVC).

Methods: Data were drawn from routine intake assessments completed by 71 patients referred to a community-based clinic for chronic pain management. Read More

Sci Rep 2018 Sep 27;8(1):14495. Epub 2018 Sep 27.

Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.

Features from Electrovestibulography (EVestG) recordings have been used to classify and measure the severity of both persistent post-concussion syndrome (PCS) and major depressive disorder. Herein, we examined the effect of comorbid depression on the detection of persistent PCS using EVestG. To validate our previously developed EVestG classifier for PCS detection, the classifier was tested with a new blind dataset (N = 21). Read More

Neurol Neurochir Pol 2018 Nov - Dec;52(6):710-719. Epub 2018 Sep 13.

Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland; Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. Electronic address:

Introduction: Several imaging modalities are under investigation to unravel the pathophysiological mystery of delayed performance deficits in patients after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Although both imaging and neuropsychological studies have been conducted, only few data on longitudinal correlations of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) and extensive neuropsychological testing exist.

Methods: MRI with T1- and T2-weighted, SWI and DTI sequences at baseline and 12 months of 30 mTBI patients were compared with 20 healthy controls. Read More

Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2018 Sep 12;18(11):75. Epub 2018 Sep 12.

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.

Purpose Of Review: To review the growing body of indirect and direct evidence that suggests that exercise can be helpful for children, adolescents, and adults with persistent symptoms following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

Recent Findings: The direct evidence shows that graded exercise assessments are safe, and that aerobic exercise interventions are associated with improvement of multiple symptoms and other benefits, including earlier return-to-sport. The indirect evidence supports this approach via studies that reveal the potential mechanisms, and show benefits for related presentations and individual symptoms, including headaches, neck pain, vestibular problems, sleep, stress, anxiety, and depression. Read More

Concussion 2017 Dec 20;2(4):CNC44. Epub 2017 Dec 20.

Department of Rehabilitation, Nutrition & Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia.

Aim: A small but notable number of individuals who suffer a concussion report ongoing cognitive difficulties. This preliminary study investigated the efficacy of repetitive test application to discern cognitive impairment in those with ongoing symptoms.

Methods: Participants (n = 17) with continuing self-reported symptoms following a concussion (∼9 months postinjury) were compared with 17 age group matched controls for working memory and word-list learning. Read More

Exp Ther Med 2018 Sep 18;16(3):2193-2202. Epub 2018 Jul 18.

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China.

The present review evaluated the effect of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) therapy on post-concussion syndrome (PCS). Searches for publications from the earliest date possible up until the first week of 2016 were conducted using the electronic databases Cochrane, EBSCOhost, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed and Web of Science. Additional trials were identified through reference list scanning. Read More

Phys Sportsmed 2018 11 3;46(4):416-419. Epub 2018 Sep 3.

a Emergency Medicine , The Ohio State University , Dublin , OH , USA.

The management of concussion in pediatric patients has always been guided by treatment guidelines that have been drawn from consensus statements rather than clinical research projects. Grool and colleagues conducted a clinical research project on an early return to physical activity and its effect on post-concussion symptoms. The study enrolled 3063 pediatric patients, age 5. Read More

Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2018 Aug;59(10):4011-4019

Division of Hyperbaric Medicine, Intermountain Medical Center, Murray, Utah, United States.

Purpose: Standard physical, neurologic, and neuropsychologic examinations may not detect abnormalities after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). An analysis of eye movements may be more sensitive to neurologic dysfunction.

Methods: We performed eye tracking assessments in 71 active duty and veteran military personnel with persistent postconcussive symptoms (3 months to 5 years after mTBI) and 75 volunteers with no history of brain injury. Read More

Curr Sports Med Rep 2018 Aug;17(8):262-270

Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY.

Sport-related concussion (SRC) is a physiological brain injury that produces cerebral and systemic effects, including exercise intolerance. Exercise intolerance after concussion is believed to be the result of autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. Ventilation is inappropriately low for the level of exercise intensity, raising arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels. Read More

J Neurotrauma 2018 Aug;35(16):1886-1894

1 Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario, Canada .

Liquid crystal display (LCD) screens refresh at a rate of 60 times per second, which can be perceived by concussed individuals who have photosensitivity, leading to computer intolerance. A non-LCD computer screen that refreshes at a much lower rate could relieve this photosensitivity and computer screen intolerance in patients with post-concussion syndrome (PCS). Twenty-nine patients with PCS, computer intolerance, and photosensitivity performed a reading task for a maximum of 30 min, with an LCD computer or a non-LCD device, and were given a comprehension test after completion of the reading task. Read More

BMJ Open 2018 Aug 1;8(7):e022240. Epub 2018 Aug 1.

Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Introduction: Recovery from concussion has traditionally been evaluated by patient-reported symptoms, objective measures such as loss of consciousness, specific dimensions such as depression or fatigue, cognitive status, employment status, level of physical activity and the more complex construct of disability. Increasingly, patient-reported outcome measures of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are being emphasised as an important end point in patient care, clinical trial and health policy decisions. Currently, no standardised concussion-specific HRQOL outcome measure exists. Read More

J Prim Health Care 2018 Jun;10(2):159-166

Eastern Institute of Technology, Hawke's Bay Campus, Taradale, Napier, New Zealand.

INTRODUCTION By 2020, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are predicted to become the third largest cause of disease burden globally; 90% of these being mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Some patients will develop post-concussion syndrome. AIM To determine whether the time between sustaining a mTBI and the initial assessment by a specialised concussion service, along with the post-concussion symptoms reported at the assessment, affected recovery time. Read More

Int J Sports Med 2018 Sep 1;39(9):696-703. Epub 2018 Aug 1.

Cuyahoga County Court Clinic, Cuyahoga County Court Clinic, Cleveland, United States.

Resolution of post-concussive symptoms (PCS) is a marker of recovery. However, it is unclear whether subtle impairments re-emerge in the context of increased demands. This study examined the effect of strenuous exercise on clinical symptoms and cognitive efficiency in children and adolescents after PCS resolution following concussion. Read More

Brain Inj 2018 1;32(13-14):1824-1833. Epub 2018 Aug 1.

a School of Kinesiology , Lakehead University , Thunder Bay , ON , Canada.

Primary Objective: Recent findings suggest breathing may negatively affect performance after concussion. The aim of the study was to examine group differences between individuals with and without post-concussion syndrome (PCS) in end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO) and respiratory rate (RR) during neurocognitive and physical tasks.

Hypothesis: Individuals in the PCS group will have elevated ETCO and lower RR compared to the control group. Read More

Eur Radiol 2019 Mar 31;29(3):1308-1317. Epub 2018 Jul 31.

Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 28, Yongon-dong, Chongno-gu, Seoul, 110-744, Korea.

Objectives: To explore the utility of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MR imaging for quantitative analysis of blood-brain barrier disruption in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients with post-concussion syndrome (PCS).

Methods: Forty-four consecutive patients with PCS after mTBI and 32 controls were included in this retrospective study. K and v from DCE MR imaging were analyzed at contrast-enhancing lesions, T2 hyperintense white matter (WM) lesions, normal-appearing white matter (NAWM), and predilection sites for diffuse axonal injury (Location). Read More

NeuroRehabilitation 2018 ;43(2):155-167

The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.

Background: About 5-15 % of patients with concussion experience persistent post-concussion symptoms (PCS) longer than 3 months post-injury.

Objective: To explore the feasibility of a new intervention for young patients with persistent PCS and long-term changes after intervention.

Methods: Thirty-two consecutive patients (15-30 years) with persistent PCS 2-4 months post-injury were recruited from a cohort study or referred to a non-randomized feasibility study of an individually tailored, 8-week, multidisciplinary intervention. Read More