Search Results for: concussion

Attend to learn more about concussion innovations and technology, updates on the international consensus, concussion nutrition, mental health effects and more!

Summarized by Dr. Ally Ferber, MD February 2024 The article talks about athletes who experience a concussion while playing sports. A concussion is a type of brain injury that can happen when the head is hit hard or moves very quickly. This impact can lead to changes in how the brain works, affecting the cells (neurons) and causing different symptoms. The article focuses on symptoms related to the vestibular-ocular-motor (VOM) system and how they impact an athlete’s return to sports and school performance. The VOM system involves balance, vision, and movement. If this system is disrupted, it can cause issues like dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, and difficulty reading. Testing for problems in the VOM system isn’t common yet, but the article suggests it could be helpful. Using a screening tool to identify athletes with balance, vision, and movement issues, they found that those with symptoms in this system took longer to recover, had more severe symptoms, missed more school, and needed more time overall to get better. In summary, using the VOM screening tool in the first two weeks after a sports-related concussion might help doctors identify athletes with specific issues. This can give athletes and their families an idea of how long the recovery might take, when they can return to sports, and when they can go back to school. It also allows doctors to recommend specific exercises to help athletes heal better. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33896286/

Summarized by Arielle Berkowitz, DO November 2023 When a player experiences a bump to the head during a sports game or practice, he/she may begin to experience headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, or a brief loss of consciousness known as a Sports Related Concussion (SRC). These symptoms are often troubling and may make it difficult to immediately return to school, work, and/or sports. SRC can occur at any age and at any level of athletic training. Recovery after a SRC is different for each individual. Athletes who are female, who have had prior concussions, learning disabilities, and/or psychiatric illness may have more trouble returning to their normal daily activities. During this tough time, it is important to follow with experts who can help with the recovery process and provide education, guidance, and encouragement. In the past, it was recommended that athletes who have sustained a SRC completely rest their minds and body- avoiding television, phones, computers, and school-work- so that their brains could fully heal. More recent guidelines advise light activity/work during this recovery period. In most states, athletes are required to progress through a daily exercise schedule with a trained professional for one whole week. During this time, the athlete must perform exercises with increasing intensity with close monitoring of symptoms. Vestibular therapy is a therapy that is often offered to patients who continue to experience symptoms such as dizziness and balance issues weeks after their injury. With vestibular therapy, patients work closely with physical therapists to improve things such as balance and vision. In a recent article, “Early Initiation of Vestibular Therapy Following Sport-Related Concussions: A Retrospective Cohort Study,” by Ferry et al., the authors wanted to determine whether or not starting vestibular therapy shortly after injury would result in a faster recovery. In this study, the researchers reviewed the medical charts of patients ages 12-25 years who had a SRC between January 2014-December 2019, were seen in the Sports Medicine Concussion Clinic at Duke University and were referred to PT for vestibular therapy. Results from this study suggested that waiting to start vestibular therapy could increase the time to recovery and return to sport. In other words, starting vestibular therapy early after injury could result in a quicker recovery. After SRC, it is important to seek appropriate care early. Although we still need more details regarding exactly how long a person should receive vestibular therapy, how frequently he/she should go for visits, and when to begin the therapy, it is noted that, overall, it is extremely helpful without any detrimental effects. For more information view the article https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.39764

In recognition of National Concussion Awareness Day, the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey will be livestreaming Bell Ringer: The Invisible Brain Injury on Friday, September 16 starting at 3 PM. Join us to watch this award-winning PBS documentary, which is approximately one hour long and will be streamed live via Zoom. A brief optional discussion will immediately follow. Seating is limited for this free screening. Reserve your spot today.

With the start of a new school year, children across New Jersey will be resuming interscholastic sports participation. This webinar will provide an updated overview of the current best practices for diagnosis and management of concussion and post-concussion syndrome with an emphasis on overall athlete brain health. There will be a specific focus on what is most important to understand for school personnel (teachers, coaches, etc.) and parents of youth and high school athletes. This webinar will be held via Zoom. Click here to register today!

With the start of a new school year, children across New Jersey will be resuming interscholastic sports participation. This webinar will provide an updated overview of the current best practices for diagnosis and management of concussion and post-concussion syndrome with an emphasis on overall athlete brain health. There will be a specific focus on what is most important to understand for school personnel (teachers, coaches, etc.) and parents of youth and high school athletes.

What is sports concussion? Sports concussions often occur in contact sports such as football, ice hockey, soccer and lacrosse, but they also occur in non-contact sports such as baseball, golf, and cheerleading. Most sports concussions don’t involve a loss or consciousness or a blow to the head, and many times, are overlooked by coaches and parents as they can be focused on the play. For most athletes, symptoms will resolve within two to four weeks, however for some, symptoms can persist for several months. Safe Return to Play If an impact or blow to the head is observed or suspected, and an athlete displays any of the above symptoms, they should follow the steps for a safe return to play. LEARN THE STEPS What are the signs and symptoms? What's the Difference?Signs of Sports ConcussionSymptoms Reported by AthleteWhat's the Difference? What makes a sport concussion different from other concussions? Athletes want to get back to play as soon as possible and may disregard other symptoms. The risk for a second concussion is higher when young athletes return to practice or competition too soon. The NJ Concussion Law has certain requirements before a student athlete can return to practice or competition. Signs of Sports Concussion Feel dazed or stunned Confusion Forgets plays or coaches instruction Uncertainty about opponents, time (e.g., which half, quarter), or score Alterations in coordination or clumsiness Gait or balance problems Shows personality, mood, or behavior change Forgets events prior to or after the impact Loss of consciousness Symptoms Reported by Athlete Headache or pressure in the head Dizziness Balance Problems Nausea or Vomiting Sensitivity to light Sensitivity to noise Lethargy or fatigue Problems remembering Poor attention/concentration Not feeling right Slowed processing Numbness or tingling Sleep problems How to manage a sports concussion How a sports concussion is diagnosed A sports concussion is a medical diagnosis and should be evaluated and diagnosed by a physician. Athletes may report symptoms during the game or after, and sometimes days later. These symptoms should be taken as seriously as those reported on the day of the impact, and the athlete should be evaluated by a physician. A doctor will review how the impact occurred, signs and symptoms, and medical history. They will also conduct a neurological examination which assesses vision, hearing, balance, coordination, and cognitive functions. Concussions should be managed by medical physicians and licensed healthcare providers who have specialized training in the management and treatment of concussion. Recovery from sports related concussion Cognitive and physical rest The standard of care following a diagnosis of concussion is physical and cognitive rest. During the first few days of recovery, athletes who have sustained concussion should restrict physical AND cognitive activities that require attention and concentration, as they may exacerbate and possibly prolong overall recovery. It is expected that athletes who have sustained concussion who limit relevant physical and cognitive activities will not require further intervention and will recover spontaneously. What limiting cognitive and physical rest looks like Student Athletes should be provided with a return to learn plan and a set of personalized academic accommodations to assist in their recovery. Some athletes may be [...]

What is a concussion? A concussion is often referred to as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, stretching and damaging brain cells and creating chemical changes in the brain. There may be signs of injury to the head, such as bruising or cuts, or there may be no visible injury. A person does not necessarily lose consciousness after a concussion. Concussions are usually not life-threatening but, they should be taken seriously. Remember: A concussion/mTBI is an injury to the brain, not just ‘seeing stars’. Most people will recover completely within 2-3 weeks if given the proper periods of rest and a gradual return to activities. Repeated concussions occurring over an extended period can result in cumulative neurological and cognitive effects. Repeated concussions occurring within a short period of time can be catastrophic. Request a Workshop BIANJ offers customizable workshops for parents, teachers, and coaches. Contact us today to get your school up to speed on concussion prevention, recognition, and treatment. REQUEST A WORKSHOP Symptoms of Concussion Symptoms of concussion can vary, but common signs include: Dizziness Headaches Blurred Vision Nausea Vomiting Slurred Speech Appearing Dazed, Confused Ringing in the Ears Delayed Response to Questions What If I Have a Sports Concussion? LEARN THE SIGNS When to Seek Medical Attention Healthcare professionals recommend individuals contact their physician, call 911 , or go to the nearest emergency department immediately if someone sustains a bump, blow, or jolt to the head and has these symptoms: A headache that gets worse and does not go away Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination Repeated vomiting or nausea Slurred speech Drowsiness or cannot be awakened Pupil asymmetry Convulsions or seizures Does not recognize people or places Increased confusion, restlessness, and agitation Unusual behavior Loss of consciousness Treatment Many people who have a concussion will experience initial symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, thinking difficulties, and changes in behavior. Symptoms typically diminish after two to three weeks. If symptoms continue beyond two weeks, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional trained in concussion management. Evaluation by healthcare professionals trained in the care of concussion is important After sustaining a concussion, it is very important to avoid any activity that places the individual at risk of sustaining another concussion Assure the individual that symptoms will subside if a recovery plan that balances rest and activity is followed Since most people will recover completely, accommodations will be temporary Healthcare professionals who are trained in concussion management will also take into consideration the stressors in the person’s life and how those may impact the recovery process. All factors need to be considered and addressed as a part of the recovery plan. The good news is that research shows that early identification, education, and management of symptoms can prevent long-term symptoms. Managing the symptoms through a balance of rest and activity is the key to recovery. Post [...]

Nathan D. Zasler, MD, DABPM&R, FAAPM&R, FACRM, BIM, CBIST is Founder, CMO and CEO of Concussion Care Centre of Virginia, Ltd., as well Founder and current Medical Director of Tree of Life in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Zasler is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, fellowship trained in brain injury rehabilitation and subspecialty certified in Brain Injury Medicine. He is an affiliate professor in the VCU Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Richmond, VA, and a visiting professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville.  Dr. Zasler is also a fellow of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine.   Dr. Zasler is internationally recognized as an expert in brain injury medicine and has published and lectured extensively on TBI related neuromedical issues.  He has published well over 200 peer reviewed articles, authored over 60 book chapters and given over 700 academic lectures. He has edited eight textbooks as either editor in chief, co-editor or associate editor and is editor in chief of the core textbook “Brain Injury Medicine:  Principals and Practice” now in its 3rd edition. He serves on numerous journal editorial boards and is chief editor of two peer reviewed international scientific journals: “Brain Injury” and “Neurorehabilitation”. He also serves as chief editor of the publication “Brain Injury Professional”.   He is Emeritus Chairperson as well as Vice-Chairperson of the International Brain Injury Association (IBIA).  Dr. Zasler was the first recipient of the NHIF Young Investigator Award, and among other awards has been recognized with the Sheldon Berrol Clinical Service award from BIAA.  He has been repeatedly recognized by “Best Doctors”.  Dr. Zasler is active in local, national and international organizations dealing with acquired brain injury and neurodisability, serving in numerous consultant and board member roles.

Summarized by Dan Zhou, MD October 2023 Insomnia is one of the most common complaints after traumatic brain injury. It occurs in almost half of patients and is more common in those with mild injuries, also known as concussions. People with insomnia have difficulty falling and staying asleep at night. This can negatively affect day-to-day routines due to tiredness and difficulty concentrating. A recent article titled “Perspective: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia Is a Promising Intervention for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury” was published in Frontiers in Neurology which reviews cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in concussion patients. CBT-I uses a combined cognitive and behavioral approach to treatment. Some examples include concepts such as limiting stimulation at bedtime, relaxation training, cognitive therapy, and sleep hygiene training. The overall goal is to promote sleep at bedtime, improve the sleep/wake cycle, and address negative thoughts surrounding sleep which would decrease sleep-related anxiety and arousal. In treatment trials, CBT-I has emerged as the preferred treatment for insomnia. The article mentions that 70-80% of patients with insomnia experience lasting benefit from CBT-I and about half have complete resolution. Similar to treating insomnia in general, CBT-I is also preferred as the main treatment for insomnia in concussion patients. Compared to taking prescription medications or self-treating, CBT-I does not have the side effects that all medications may carry and can provide lasting benefits. To understand why CBT-I is most appropriate for insomnia after concussion, we need to understand the connection between the two. The leading theory of why insomnia happens frequently after concussion is discussed in the article. First some people are at risk be it through their genetics or personalities. This is followed by a trigger which would be the head injury. The last factor is the perpetuating loop that keeps the sleep issues going. This loop is due to changes in behavior and attitudes. For instance, some people may attempt to sleep longer by taking more naps during the day which can mess up normal sleep patterns. Additionally, having negative thoughts like “lack of sleep will negatively affect my recovery” causes a cycle of anxiety associated with sleep. It is specifically this perpetuating loop phase with all of its behavioral and emotional factors where CBT-I may have the greatest benefit. Improving sleep after concussion is important as it is shown to improve mental functioning, pain, depression, and anxiety. These are some of the reasons that CBT-I has been and remains promising for the treatment of insomnia in mild traumatic brain injury patients.   For more information, view the article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7575746/