Blog
Continuing debate about helmets in girls’ lacrosse
The use of helmets in women’s lacrosse continues to be a topic of significant debate, as helmets are not mandatory in women’s lacrosse but are required in men’s lacrosse. A 2015 study found that women’s lacrosse had the second-highest rate of concussions among a variety of high school and college sports.
New research to develop better diagnostic tools for diagnosing mTBI in the elderly
"Adults over the age of 75 have had the highest incidence of traumatic brain injuries" and better diagnostic tools are needed. BrainBox has received a grant to create a clinical solution that accurately captures the diagnosis and prognosis of mTBI in elderly patients.
Sex, race, psychiatric history, intracranial injury associated with increased prevalence of insomnia after a TBI
A study found that female biological sex, Black race, history of psychiatric illness, or intracranial injury were associated with a higher severity level of insomnia symptoms post-TBI.
Children with assault-related concussion have worse outcomes and are less-likely to get proper evaluation than those with sport-related concussion
A study found significant disparities in diagnosis and outcomes between children presenting to a pediatric hospital with assault-related (ARC) and sports-related concussion (SRC).
Tele-rehabilitation feasibility trial finds positive results comparable with in-person rehabilitation studies
A study by Josh Shore et al. found that a novel Tele-Active Rehabilitation (Tele-AR) program improved postconcussion symptoms, illness perception, and occupational performance (self-perception of performance in everyday living) in a small group of adolescents.
Duration of continued athletic participation after sport-related concussion impacts recovery outcomes
A study evaluated the duration of continued participation after a suspected sport-related concussion (SRC) and its impact on recovery outcomes in collegiate athletes. The researchers found that continued participation (within a range of 0-90 minutes) after SRC was associated with worse outcomes.
Concussion education in schools is inconsistent, overly athlete-focused
A study found significant gaps in school-based concussion education in a scoping review, "including a lack of clear guidelines for concussion education content, questionable sustainability of the education delivery and the need for long-term evaluation of outcomes.”
Recommended reading – Impact: Women Writing After Concussion
Impact: Women Writing After Concussion is an anthology containing the stories of 21 women writers reflecting on how their personal and professional lives have changed following experience with concussion.
13.5% of mTBI patients had poor cognitive outcomes; predicting risk, referral to cognitive rehabilitation
According to a study published in Neurology, 13.5% of mTBI patients had “poor cognitive outcomes” (vs. 4.5 % in a control group) one year after a mild traumatic brain injury (concussion).
Baseline evaluations for diagnosing concussion do not improve diagnostic accuracy
A study by Dr. Lyndsey M. Ferris et al., published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, analyzed the utility of baseline evaluations for identifying acute concussions in college athletes. The researchers found that using baseline evaluations does not significantly improve diagnostic accuracy.
Health disparities and barriers to effective and proper migraine treatment
An article in Harvard Health Publishing breaks down new research on healthcare disparities faced by patients with headache disorders. Researchers Jessica Kiarashi et al. found significant disparities based on race, sexuality, socioeconomic status (SES), urban/rural geographic differences, and more.
Many PA high schools’ sports concussion protocols fail to meet state mandates or include current best practices, full-time trainers may help
A study found significant gaps in a high proportion of PA schools with regard to both state mandates and current best practices, though protocols were much higher quality in schools with a full-time athletic trainer (AT).
Good resource on Meditation
Brainline recently highlighted their article on mediation in their Brain Injury and PTSD Treatment Hub. The article primarily has general information about meditation and references a few studies. When mental training and breathing techniques are combined, a person may be able to slow and calm down their mind.
Resuming physical activity 72 hours after concussion reduces symptoms and the risk of delayed recovery
A study has found that for youth ages 10 to 18, “Resuming non-contact physical activity 72 hours after a concussion is safe, and may also reduce symptoms and the risk of delayed recovery,” according to a CHEO Research Institute press release.
Combat-related concussion increases odds of long-term disability in Veterans in a prospective 10-year study
Dr. Mac Donald et al. conducted a 10-year prospective study of veterans deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan to determine the trajectory of disability within this population and identify which subset of the population is most at risk. Their study demonstrated that veterans who sustained a concussion in combat had “very high odds of poor long-term outcome trajectory.”
Radio program on survivors of domestic violence living with traumatic brain injury
We recommend a 47-minute radio special, An ''invisible epidemic'': Survivors of domestic violence on living with traumatic brain injury. The program is a feature of WBUR radio's On Point program and played on NPR across the United States.
Major scandal forces the chair of the International Concussion in Sport Group to step down from post ahead of 6th consensus statement process in October
In the last two weeks, the Concussion in Sport Group (CISG) has become engulfed in a scandal that has ramifications for concussion management across the globe. Dr. Paul McCrory, “chair of the Concussion in Sport Group (CISG) and lead author of four of the five Consensus Statements on Concussion in Sport,” resigned on March 5 following revelations of multiple instances of plagiarism.
Children and adolescents with concussion at 40% higher risk for mental health issues than peers with orthopedic injury
A study found that children and adolescents who sustain a concussion are at an increased risk of developing mental health issues. The results indicated that "young people who sustain a concussion are at a 40% higher risk of mental health issues, psychiatric hospitalization, and self-harm compared to those who sustain an orthopedic injury."
Former NFL players report Mild Cognitive Impairment, dementia at higher rates than national average for their age
A study investigated the prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and dementia in former NFL players ages 50+. The authors found significant disparities in the rate of self-reported MCI and dementia diagnoses between the study participants (who had spent at least one year in the NFL) and national incidence estimates. Alarmingly, almost 23% of participants aged 50-60 reported MCI.
Treat acute post-concussion dizziness to promote physical activity and improve recovery, a new study suggests
Gradually increasing physical activity is now accepted as an “important aspect of appropriate clinical management.” However, post-concussion dizziness in the first weeks after a concussion reduces a patient’s propensity for physical activity and may potentially hinder recovery, a new study finds.
