Blog
Research provides insight into treating persisting post-concussion symptoms (PPSC), Long-Covid, and chronic fatigue syndrome
A BBC article explains how patients with persisting post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) and Long Covid exhibit similar symptoms, including fatigue, exercise intolerance, sleep disturbances, memory and concentration problems, light and sound sensitivity, and visual dysfunction, such as impairments in eye tracking.
Significant improvements in 4 former football players with possible CTE: transcranial photobiomodulation case studies
In a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports, researchers write that “this is the first report of a potential treatment modality to mitigate symptoms of Possible CTE.” The study is a case-series report of four former football players (3 professionals) who met the NIH criteria for Possible CTE and were treated with transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), a specific kind of light therapy.
A SCAT assessment modified for para-athletes could work for concussion assessment in some types of disabilities
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine examined whether the sports concussion assessment tool, version 5 (SCAT5), could be utilized for para-athletes with a visual impairment, a spinal cord injury, or a limb deficiency.
Participate in an online study assessing neuropsychological symptoms that may be linked to your concussion history
Participate in an online study assessing neuropsychological symptoms that may be linked to your concussion history
College students have limited concussion knowledge, colleges should allocate resources to students’ sources
From a survey given to a random sample of 208 college students, the authors concluded that students of both sexes demonstrated a limited understanding of the symptoms, consequences, and appropriate management of concussions–though females scored slightly higher.
National Athletic Trainers’ Association updates clinical recommendations
In late March, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association released its updated recommendations for the management of sport-related concussions – a document that hadn’t been updated in over a decade.
Increased brain size and volume may underly reduction in dementia incidence
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology by DeCarli et al. found that brain volumes and brain size are becoming progressively larger––based on MRI brain imaging observations of participants born between 1930 and 1970.
Former MMA fighter Ronda Rousey: concussions under the spotlight
Ronda Rousey, a former MMA fighter, tells her story of her life-long experience with concussions and lasting health impacts in a recent interview with The Guardian.
Concussions associated with increased risk of children developing behavioral and affective disorders
A study published in JAMA Network Open challenges the existing idea that early childhood concussion may have relatively benign effects and highlights that postconcussive symptoms can be relatively long-lasting.
Study finds more pre-existing mental diagnoses associated with longer recovery time and higher emotional symptom burden
In a study published in Sports Health, Master et al. found that the existence of pre-injury mental health diagnoses correlated with longer concussion recovery time and increased emotional symptoms.
Branched chain amino acids may expedite concussion recovery
A six-year study in the Journal of Neurotrauma explored the impact of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) on concussion recovery in adolescents and young adults.
Cooling therapy reduces symptom burden in adolescent concussions
A study conducted by Matthew Smith et al. and published in The Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine found that, in adolescent athletes, cooling therapy was associated with a significant decrease in post-concussion symptoms.
Study finds potential therapeutic target to combat mitochondrial dysfunction after TBI
The journal Neurochemistry International recently published a review that details the role of mitochondria in traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Massive Open Online Course is effective at providing concussion education
As reported in a recent study, a massive open online course (MOOC) developed by Laval University (Quebec, Canada) offering education on concussion was found to have considerable success, suggesting courses like this could be an important tool for spreading concussion prevention and treatment information in the future.
The introduction of concussion spotters to the Women’s World Cup
In the 2023 Women’s World Cup, there was a new introduction to the state of play for the tournament: concussion spotters. Spotters are certified athletic trainers not tied to any specific team.
Systematic review: no significant relationship between greater neck strength and lower risk of sports-related concussion––more research needed
A study found that there was a small, not statistically relevant relationship between greater neck strength and a lower risk of sustaining a sports-related concussion in athletes.
Chronic cannabis use may protect young adult athletes from the effects of subconcussive head impacts
A study found that athletes who used cannabis regularly had better eye focus ability and lower levels of brain inflammation compared to the non-cannabis group after repetitive subconcussive head impacts.
Retired pro soccer players: heading frequency and player position associated with risk of cognitive impairment and dementia
A study published in JAMA Network Neurology found that “repetitive heading during a professional soccer career is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment later in life” and self-reported dementias in retired male professional soccer players
Post-concussion academic supports in higher education: new efforts to address continuing gaps
A recent report by Memmini and colleagues identifies key principles of return-to-learn for college athletes to explore how non-athletes fare in the college classroom after a concussion.
Concussion Alliance & Co-Founders Featured In Slate Magazine
Concussion Alliance Co-Founders Conor Gormally and Malayka Gormally are featured in a powerful and excellently written story written by Isobel Whitcomb for Slate Magazine (Slate Magazine USA).