Persistent Post-concussion Symptoms Research Articles

Assessment of sleep parameters in adults with persistent post-concussive symptoms

ObjectivesThe primary aim of this study was to characterize sleep in adults with persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS). Secondary aims explored relationships between sleep parameters, injury characteristics, and symptom questionnaires. MethodsThis case-controlled, cross-sectional study recruited adults (18–65yrs) diagnosed with PPCS and age and sex-matched controls. Participants wore a wrist-worn actigraph for 3–7 nights and completed daily sleep diaries. Participants completed questionnaires examining daytime sleepiness, fatigue, anxiety/depressive symptoms, and sedentariness. Sleep parameters were compared between groups using Mann-Whitney U tests. Secondary analyses used two-way ANOVA and Spearman's rank correlations. ResultsFifty adults with PPCS (43.7 ± 10.6yrs, 78 % female) and 50 controls (43.6 ± 11.0yrs) were included in this study. Adults with PPCS had significantly longer sleep onset latency (PPCS 16.99 ± 14.51min, Controls 8.87 ± 6.44min, p < 0.001) and total sleep time (PPCS 8.3 ± 1.0hrs, Control 7.6 ± 0.9hrs, p = 0.030) compared to controls, but woke up later (PPCS 7:57:27 ± 1:36:40, Control 7:17:16 ± 0:50:08, p = 0.026) and had poorer sleep efficiency (PPCS 77.9 ± 7.5 %, Control 80.8 ± 6.0 %, p = 0.019) than controls. Adults with PPCS reported more daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale: PPCS 8.70 ± 4.61, Control 4.28 ± 2.79, p < 0.001) and fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale: PPCS 56.54 ± 12.92, Control 21.90 ± 10.38, p < 0.001). Injury characteristics did not significantly affect sleep parameters in adults with PPCS. Actigraphy parameters were not significantly correlated to questionnaire measures. ConclusionSeveral actigraphy sleep parameters were significantly altered in adults with PPCS compared to controls, but did not correlate with sleep questionnaires, suggesting both are useful tools in characterizing sleep in PPCS. Further, this study provides potential treatment targets to improve sleep difficulties in adults with PPCS.

Functional Neurological Disorder Presenting After Concussion: A Retrospective Case Series.

Although a majority of individuals recover from a concussion within weeks of the index injury, a substantial minority of patients report persistent postconcussion symptoms. Some of these symptoms may reflect a diagnosis of functional neurological disorder (FND). The authors evaluated the relationship between persistent postconcussion symptoms and FND symptoms. In this retrospective chart review, the authors characterized demographic and clinical information from 50 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of FND whose functional neurological symptoms started after a concussion. Patients who developed FND after a concussion had high rates of baseline risk factors for both persistent postconcussion symptoms and FND. After the concussive event, functional neurological symptoms presented abruptly or developed insidiously over time. Functional neurological symptoms ranged widely and included gait symptoms, seizures, speech and language symptoms, weakness, sensory symptoms, tremors, and vision and oculomotor symptoms. Functional neurological symptoms can arise after a concussion. FND should be considered in the differential diagnosis of individuals presenting with neurological symptoms beginning after a concussion. By failing to recognize functional symptoms, clinicians may inadvertently reinforce negative health-related beliefs regarding a patient's injured brain.

A brief mindfulness-based intervention for stress, pain, emotion and attention regulation in military service members with mild traumatic brain injury.

The primary aim of this study was to conduct an open pilot clinical trial of a brief mindfulness-based intervention for persistent postconcussion symptoms that occur after mild traumatic brain injury in military service members. For many service members, operational tempo and other time constraints may prevent them from completing a standard mindfulness-based stress reduction course. Thus, this study sought to examine the effectiveness of a five-session intervention called mindfulness-based stress, pain, emotion, and attention regulation (MSPEAR). Participants were active duty service members with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and persisting postconcussion symptoms, all of whom were recruited from an outpatient TBI rehabilitation program at a military treatment facility. Of the 38 service members that were initially enrolled, 25 completed the 5-session MSPEAR intervention, and 20 returned for a 5-week follow-up evaluation. Questionnaires assessing perceived stress, positive affect, pain interference and catastrophizing, sleep disturbances, perceived behavioral and attention regulation, self-efficacy and satisfaction with life were administered at preintervention, postintervention, and at 5-week follow-up intervals. Neuropsychological testing at preintervention and 5-week follow-up included performance validity measures, attention, working memory, and executive function measures. T-tests were run to compare for questionnaire measures at preintervention (Time 1) to postintervention (Time 2). Repeated analysis of variances were conducted to compare questionnaire and neuropsychological measures at Time 1, Time 2, and at Time 3 which is the 5-week follow-up. Improvements in perceived stress, positive affect, behavioral regulation, metacognition, sleep disturbance, self-efficacy, and satisfaction with life were found immediately after the MSPEAR intervention and were maintained at the 5-week follow-up. Magnification and helplessness aspects of pain catastrophizing improved when comparing preintervention to the 5-week follow-up. Pain interference was not significantly different across study assessment times. Neuropsychological testing revealed improvements in sustained attention, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control when comparing preintervention to the 5-week follow-up assessment. The MSPEAR intervention appears to show promise as a brief and effective therapy for specific postconcussion symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury in military service members. Each of the components of MSPEAR including stress, pain catastrophizing, emotion and attention regulation showed improvements in this study, and bears further investigation in a larger scale, preferably randomized controlled trial in those active duty military service members who experience persisting symptoms after a mild traumatic brain injury.

Widespread White Matter Abnormalities in Concussed Athletes Detected by 7T Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Sports-related concussions may cause white matter injuries and persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS). We hypothesized that athletes with PPCS would have neurocognitive impairments and white matter abnormalities that could be revealed by advanced neuroimaging using ultra-high field strength diffusion tensor (DTI) and diffusion kurtosis (DKI) imaging metrics and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers. A cohort of athletes with PPCS severity limiting the ability to work/study and participate in sport school and/or social activities for ≥6 months completed 7T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (morphological T1-weighed volumetry, DTI and DKI), extensive neuropsychological testing, symptom rating, and CSF biomarker sampling. Twenty-two athletes with PPCS and 22 controls were included. Concussed athletes performed below norms and significantly lower than controls on all but one of the psychometric neuropsychology tests. Supratentorial white and gray matter, as well as hippocampal volumes did not differ between concussed athletes and controls. However, of the 72 examined white matter tracts, 16% of DTI and 35% of DKI metrics (in total 28%) were significantly different between concussed athletes and controls. DKI fractional anisotropy and axial kurtosis were increased, and DKI radial diffusivity and radial kurtosis decreased in concussed athletes when compared with controls. CSF neurofilament light (NfL; an axonal injury marker), although not glial fibrillary acidic protein, correlated with several diffusion metrics. In this first 7T DTI and DKI study investigating PPCS, widespread microstructural alterations were observed in the white matter, correlating with CSF markers of axonal injury. More white matter changes were observed using DKI than using DTI. These white matter alterations may indicate persistent pathophysiological processes following concussion in sport.

Serum neurofilament light chain, inflammatory markers, and kynurenine metabolites in patients with persistent post-concussion symptoms: A cohort study

BackgroundConcussion leads to persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) in up to one-third of those affected. While previous research has linked the initial trauma to elevated serum levels of neurofilament light chain (NFL), inflammatory markers, and neurotoxic metabolites within the kynurenine pathway, few studies have explored their relevance in PPCS. This study aims to investigate these biomarkers in PPCS patients, elucidating their relevance in the prolonged phase of concussion. MethodsSerum samples from 86 PPCS individuals aged 18–30 years, 2–6 months post-trauma were analyzed, with 54 providing follow-up samples after seven months. NFL was measured using single-molecule array (Simoa) technology, 13 inflammatory markers via a Luminex immunoassay, and five kynurenine metabolites using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. A control group of 120 healthy anonymous blood donors was recruited for comparison. ResultsNo significant NFL differences were found in PPCS participants compared with healthy individuals (p = 0.22). Intriguingly, a subset (9.3%) of PPCS participants initially exhibited abnormally high NFL levels (>9.7 pg/mL), which normalized upon follow-up (p = 0.032). Additionally, serum levels of the inflammatory markers, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2), and eotaxin-1/CCL11 were 25–40% lower than in healthy individuals (p ≤ 0.001). As hypothesized, PPCS participants exhibited a 22% reduction in the ratio of kynurenic acid to quinolinic acid (neuroprotective index) (p < 0.0001), indicating a shift towards the formation of neurotoxic metabolites. ConclusionNFL may serve as a biomarker to monitor recovery, and future studies should investigate the potential therapeutic benefits of modulating the kynurenine pathway to improve PPCS.

Personalized Neuromodulation for Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms: Preliminary Findings and Trial Protocol (P2-14.014)

Personalized Neuromodulation for Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms: Preliminary Findings and Trial Protocol (P2-14.014)

Occupational therapy scope of practice in the rehabilitation of adults experiencing persistent post-concussion symptoms following traumatic brain injury: a scoping review protocol.

The objective of the review is to identify, categorize, and examine literature describing occupational therapy scope of practice in the rehabilitation of adults experiencing persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). PPCS are symptoms experienced by adults a minimum of 2 to 4 weeks after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and include vestibular, neuropsychiatric, visual, and cognitive issues. Enduring PPCS may result in disability, affecting a person's independence and/or participation in daily activities. Despite growing recognition of the role occupational therapy can offer in TBI rehabilitation, evidence is limited regarding the scope of practice occupational therapists have in the rehabilitation of adults experiencing PPCS. Literature that includes adults (aged 18 to 65 years) experiencing PPCS that describes the occupational therapy scope of practice in concussion programs will be considered for inclusion in this review. Sources reporting on participants aged under 18 years, classified with non-persistent symptoms, and receiving care in acute health care settings will be excluded. Non-English publications or gray literature from civil society or disabled persons organizations or other representative bodies in the field of brain injury will also be excluded. The scoping review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Five electronic databases will be searched for literature published between 2013 and the present: MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. Two reviewers will independently conduct title and abstract screening of the results and, upon consensus, independently screen full texts to confirm final sources for inclusion. Any disagreements will be resolved by discussion with a third reviewer. Data will be extracted from included sources and we will then map occupational therapy scope of practice (inclusive of assessments and interventions) against the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning One-Level Classification. Results will be presented in tabular or narrative format. Open Science Framework osf.io/qxgzj.

A qualitative study exploring the education provided to midlife women with persistent post-concussion symptoms

A qualitative study exploring the education provided to midlife women with persistent post-concussion symptoms

Predictive Utility of Diffusion MRI After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Civilian Populations: A Systematic Review.

A considerable number of people experience persisting symptoms and functional limitations after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). It is unclear whether subtle white matter changes contribute to this phenomenon. In this systematic review, the authors evaluated whether microstructural white matter indices on advanced MRI are related to clinical dysfunction among patients without abnormalities on standard brain computed tomography (CT) or MRI (uncomplicated mTBI). A search of multiple databases was performed. Studies with individuals who experienced blast-related, sports-related, or multiple mTBIs were excluded. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) metrics and cognitive, neuropsychiatric, or functional outcome measures were extracted from each study. Thirteen studies were selected (participants with mTBI, N=553; healthy control group, N=438). Seven DTI studies evaluated cognitive function, with five reporting significant correlations between reduced white matter integrity and deficits in attention, processing speed, and executive function at 6-12 months after injury (three studies included only individuals with uncomplicated mTBI). Four studies found significant correlations between DTI metrics and persistent postconcussive symptoms after 3-12 months (one study included only individuals with uncomplicated mTBI). Two SWI studies reported conflicting findings regarding the relationship between the presence of microbleeds and postconcussive symptoms. The results revealed that indices of microstructural white matter integrity may relate to clinical presentation 3-12 months after injury in uncomplicated mTBI. However, analysis methods and brain regions studied varied across studies. Further research is needed to identify relationships between white matter indices in specific brain regions and symptom persistence beyond 12 months.

Surveying the Landscape of Persistent Concussive Symptoms in Adults Through an Occupational Lens.

Little is known about how and to what extent persistent concussive symptoms affect occupational performance in adults. To evaluate the impact of persistent postconcussive symptoms on occupational performance. A cross-sectional study design was used in which the occupational performance needs of adults with persistent concussion symptoms were identified by a trained occupational therapist via semistructured interview. University research space. Adults ages 18 to 60 yr experiencing persistent concussion symptoms. Occupational performance was evaluated using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Data were then categorized by two researchers using the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process (4th ed.). The most commonly affected occupational performance areas included education and work, social participation, and performance of instrumental activities of daily living. Aligning with prior knowledge of the impact of psychosocial difficulties and higher order cognitive deficits on daily life, performance of complex occupations is heavily affected in adults with persistent concussive symptoms. Plain-Language Summary: The functional impact of symptoms that adults experience postconcussion becomes apparent as they return to their life occupations. The results of this study showed that adults with persistent concussive symptoms more commonly experienced occupational challenges with participation in education, social activities, and the performance of instrumental activities of daily living, with subtle, important variations in symptoms across adults. Detailed, client-centered evaluation of occupational performance changes postconcussion is an area of potential growth for occupational therapy practice and research.

A Scoping Review on the Use of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Techniques for Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms.

In the context of managing persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS), existing treatments like pharmacotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and physical rehabilitation show only moderate effectiveness. The emergence of neuromodulation techniques in PPCS management has led to debates regarding optimal stimulation parameters and their overall efficacy. this scoping review involved a comprehensive search of PubMed and ScienceDirect databases, focusing on controlled studies examining the therapeutic potential of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques in adults with PPCS. Among the 940 abstracts screened, only five studies, encompassing 103 patients (12 to 29 per study), met the inclusion criteria. These studies assessed the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), applied to specific brain regions (i.e., the left dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex (DLPFC) or left motor cortex (M1)) for addressing cognitive and psychological symptoms, headaches, and general PPCSs. The results indicated improvements in cognitive functions with tDCS. In contrast, reductions in headache intensity and depression scores were observed with rTMS, while no significant findings were noted for general symptoms with rTMS. although these pilot studies suggest promise for rTMS and tDCS in PPCS management, further research with larger-scale investigations and standardized protocols is imperative to enhance treatment outcomes for PPCS patients.

External Validation of the Post-Concussion Symptoms Rule for Predicting Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Outcome.

Persistent symptoms are common after a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The Post-Concussion Symptoms (PoCS) Rule is a newly developed clinical decision rule for the prediction of persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) 3 months after an mTBI. The PoCS Rule includes assessment of demographic and clinical characteristics and headache presence in the emergency department (ED), and follow-up assessment of symptoms at 7 days post-injury using two thresholds (lower/higher) for symptom scoring. We examined the PoCS Rule in an independent sample. We analyzed a clinical trial that recruited participants with mTBI from EDs in Greater Vancouver, Canada. The primary analysis used data from 236 participants, who were randomized to a usual care control group, and completed the Rivermead Postconcussion Symptoms Questionnaire at 3 months. The primary outcome was PPCS, as defined by the PoCS authors. We assessed the overall performance of the PoCS rule (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC]), sensitivity, and specificity. More than 40% of participants (median age 38 years, 59% female) reported PPCS at 3 months. Most participants (88%) were categorized as being at medium risk based on the ED assessment, and a majority were considered as being at high risk according to the final PoCS Rule (81% using a lower threshold and 72% using a higher threshold). The PoCS Rule showed a sensitivity of 93% (95% confidence interval [CI], 88-98; lower threshold) and 85% (95% CI, 78-92; higher threshold), and a specificity of 28% (95% CI, 21-36) and 37% (95% CI, 29-46), respectively. The overall performance was modest (AUC 0.61, 95% CI 0.59, 0.65). In conclusion, the PoCS Rule was sensitive for PPCS, but had a low specificity in our sample. Follow-up assessment of symptoms can improve risk stratification after mTBI.

Optimizing the Combination of Common Clinical Concussion Batteries to Predict Persistent Postconcussion Symptoms in a Prospective Cohort of Concussed Youth.

Studies have evaluated individual factors associated with persistent postconcussion symptoms (PPCS) in youth concussion, but no study has combined individual elements of common concussion batteries with patient characteristics, comorbidities, and visio-vestibular deficits in assessing an optimal model to predict PPCS. To determine the combination of elements from 4 commonly used clinical concussion batteries and known patient characteristics and comorbid risk factors that maximize the ability to predict PPCS. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. We enrolled 198 concussed participants-87 developed PPCS and 111 did not-aged 8 to 19 years assessed within 14 days of injury from a suburban high school and the concussion program of a tertiary care academic medical center. We defined PPCS as a Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI) score at 28 days from injury of ≥3 points compared with the preinjury PCSI score-scaled for younger children. Predictors included the individual elements of the visio-vestibular examination (VVE), Sport Concussion Assessment Tool, 5th Edition (SCAT-5), King-Devick test, and PCSI, in addition to age, sex, concussion history, and migraine headache history. The individual elements of these tests were grouped into interpretable factors using sparse principal component analysis. The 12 resultant factors were combined into a logistic regression and ranked by frequency of inclusion into the combined optimal model, whose predictive performance was compared with the VVE, initial PCSI, and the current existing predictive model (the Predicting and Prevention Postconcussive Problems in Pediatrics (5P) prediction rule) using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). A cluster of 2 factors (SCAT-5/PCSI symptoms and VVE near point of convergence/accommodation) emerged. A model fit with these factors had an AUC of 0.805 (95% CI, 0.661-0.929). This was a higher AUC point estimate, with overlapping 95% CIs, compared with the PCSI (AUC, 0.773 [95% CI, 0.617-0.912]), VVE (AUC, 0.736 [95% CI, 0.569-0.878]), and 5P Prediction Rule (AUC, 0.728 [95% CI, 0.554-0.870]). Among commonly used clinical assessments for youth concussion, a combination of symptom burden and the vision component of the VVE has the potential to augment predictive power for PPCS over either current risk models or individual batteries.

A Novel Approach to Integrative Concussion Rehabilitation: A Pragmatic Study

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the novel Ziaks Integrative Neurological Concussion (ZINC) Protocol in evaluating and treating persistent post-concussion symptoms. Methods: Individuals with concussion were systematically evaluated for neurological impairments and subsequently received six modules of integrative and progressive therapies. Treatment addressed motor function impairment, oculomotor and binocular vision deficits, and central vestibular deficits while incorporating postural stability, dual task and cognitive loading skills and providing instruction in cardiovascular exercise to promote autonomic stability. Results: Of 30 patients, 15 completed all 6 protocol modules for inclusion in data analysis. Mean treatment duration was 6.6 (SD±.99) visits over 69.53 days (SD±21.92). The Post-Concussion Symptom Scale and Dizziness Handicap Inventory outcomes from pre- to post-treatment achieved clinical and statistical significance. Statistical significance was achieved for the Brain Injury Vision Symptom Survey, Brock String near point of convergence, King Devick and the novel binocular vision screening tool. Conclusions: A structured, integrative, and progressive rehabilitation program addressing the vestibulo-oculomotor and motor function domains of concussion may be effective in the management of persistent post-concussion symptoms. Impact Statement: This study details one potential comprehensive and sequential method to integrate the neurological domains of concussion rehabilitation while screening for impairments in the physical domains. There is a gap in knowledge regarding the most effective timing, sequencing, and implementation of intervention methods across the 4 concussion domains. This study provides the groundwork for future research to establish treatment protocols aimed to efficiently reduce symptoms associated with persistent post-concussion symptoms.

Longitudinal Associations Between Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms and Blood Biomarkers of Inflammation and CNS-Injury After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

The aim of our study was to investigate the biological underpinnings of persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) at 3 months following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Patients (n = 192, age 16-60 years) with mTBI, defined as Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score between 13 and 15, loss of consciousness (LOC) <30 min, and post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) <24 h were included. Blood samples were collected at admission (within 72 h), 2 weeks, and 3 months. Concentrations of blood biomarkers associated with central nervous system (CNS) damage (glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP], neurofilament light [NFL], and tau) and inflammation (interferon gamma [IFNγ], interleukin [IL]-8, eotaxin, macrophage inflammatory protein-1-beta [MIP]-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein [MCP]-1, interferon-gamma-inducible protein [IP]-10, IL-17A, IL-9, tumor necrosis factor [TNF], basic fibroblast growth factor [FGF]-basic platelet-derived growth factor [PDGF], and IL-1 receptor antagonist [IL-1ra]) were obtained. Demographic and injury-related factors investigated were age, sex, GCS score, LOC, PTA duration, traumatic intracranial finding on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; within 72 h), and extracranial injuries. Delta values, that is, time-point differences in biomarker concentrations between 2 weeks minus admission and 3 months minus admission, were also calculated. PPCS was assessed with the British Columbia Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (BC-PSI). In single variable analyses, longer PTA duration and a higher proportion of intracranial findings on MRI were found in the PPCS group, but no single biomarker differentiated those with PPCS from those without. In multi-variable models, female sex, longer PTA duration, MRI findings, and lower GCS scores were associated with increased risk of PPCS. Inflammation markers, but not GFAP, NFL, or tau, were associated with PPCS. At admission, higher concentrations of IL-8 and IL-9 and lower concentrations of TNF, IL-17a, and MCP-1 were associated with greater likelihood of PPCS; at 2 weeks, higher IL-8 and lower IFNγ were associated with PPCS; at 3 months, higher PDGF was associated with PPCS. Higher delta values of PDGF, IL-17A, and FGF-basic at 2 weeks compared with admission, MCP-1 at 3 months compared with admission, and TNF at 2 weeks and 3 months compared with admission were associated with greater likelihood of PPCS. Higher IL-9 delta values at both time-point comparisons were negatively associated with PPCS. Discriminability of individual CNS-injury and inflammation biomarkers for PPCS was around chance level, whereas the optimal combination of biomarkers yielded areas under the curve (AUCs) between 0.62 and 0.73. We demonstrate a role of biological factors on PPCS, including both positive and negative effects of inflammation biomarkers that differed based on sampling time-point after mTBI. PPCS was associated more with acute inflammatory processes, rather than ongoing inflammation or CNS-injury biomarkers. However, the modest discriminative ability of the models suggests other factors are more important in the development of PPCS.

Conservative Management of Acute Sports-Related Concussions: A Narrative Review

This review explores the application of the conservative management model for pain to sports-related concussions (SRCs), framing concussions as a distinct form of pain syndrome with a pathophysiological foundation in central sensitization. Drawing parallels with proven pain management models, we underscore the significance of a proactive approach to concussion management. Recognizing concussions as a pain syndrome allows for the tailoring of interventions in alignment with conservative principles. This review first covers the epidemiology and controversies surrounding prolonged concussion recovery and persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Next, the pathophysiology of concussions is presented within the central sensitization framework, emphasizing the need for early intervention to mitigate the neuroplastic changes that lead to heightened pain sensitivity. Five components of the central sensitization process specific to concussion injuries are highlighted as targets for conservative interventions in the acute period: peripheral sensitization, cerebral metabolic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, glymphatic system dysfunction, and pain catastrophizing. These proactive interventions are emphasized as pivotal in accelerating concussion recovery and reducing the risk of prolonged symptoms and PPCS, in line with the philosophy of conservative management.

Serum calcitonin gene-related peptide in patients with persistent post-concussion symptoms, including headache: a cohort study.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays an important role in migraine pathophysiology, and post-traumatic headache (PTH) frequently presents with migraine-like features. Despite several clinical similarities, few studies have explored CGRP in PTH and concussion. This study investigates serum CGRP levels in patients with persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS), including PTH. This cohort study was based on serum samples from individuals aged 18-30years with PPCS who participated in a previously published randomized controlled trial of a non-pharmacological intervention. The primary outcome was serum CGRP concentrations, determined at baseline before randomization and at follow-up 7months later, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CGRP levels at baseline were compared with healthy anonymous blood donors in the same age group. Baseline serum samples were collected from 86 participants with PPCS. The participants were most often female (78%) and migraine-like headache was the most frequent headache phenotype (74%). Serum CGRP levels were higher in participants with PPCS than in 120 healthy individuals (median: 158.5pg/mL vs. 76.3pg/mL, p = 0.050). A stratified analysis revealed that females with PPCS had a fivefold higher median than healthy females (166.3pg/mL vs. 32.1pg/mL, p = 0.0006), while no differences were observed in males (p = 0.83). At follow-up, CGRP levels decreased with a median change of - 1.3pg/mL (95% confidence interval: - 17.6-0, p = 0.024). Elevated serum levels of CGRP in patients with PPCS and a decrease over time suggest an involvement of CGRP in PTH/PPCS. If confirmed in other studies, it could pave the way for CGRP-targeted therapies, which could have clinical significance.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms in Youth: Adaptations, Treatment Recommendations, and Implementation in Medical Settings

While many youths recover from concussions within several weeks, a subset of patients experience persistent postconcussive symptoms (PPCS), lasting 4 weeks or longer. PPCS have a significant negative impact on children’s social and academic functioning, often leading to extended absences from school, disruption of normal activities, and increased mental health burden. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has demonstrated promise as a treatment for PPCS but requires tailoring to specifically address concussion-related targets. This paper describes the clinical adaptation of CBT for pediatric patients with PPCS, including core intervention modifications and recommendations for the implementation and delivery of CBT in medical settings. A model of an integrated concussion clinic with pediatric neurology and psychology is discussed.

Labour market attachment dynamics in patients with concussion: a Danish nationwide register-based cohort study

BackgroundConcussion may lead to persisting post-concussive symptoms affecting work ability and employment. This study examined the transitions between labour market states an individual can experience after the acute phase of concussion. The aim was to describe the incidence of favourable and adverse transitions between different labour market states (e.g., employment, sick leave) in relation to socioeconomic and health characteristics in individuals with concussion relative to matched controls.MethodsThis Danish nationwide register-based cohort study extracted 18–60-year-old individuals between 2003–2007 with concussion from the Danish National Patient Register (ICD-10 S06.0). Controls were matched on age, sex, and municipality. Patients and controls were followed for 5 years starting three months after injury.Exclusion criteria were neurological injuries and unavailability to the labour market in the inclusion period (2003–2007) and 5-years before injury (1998–2002). Labour market states were defined from transfer income data in the Danish Register for Evaluation of Marginalization. Incidence rates of transitions between these labour market states were analysed in multistate models. Transitions were bundled in favourable and adverse transitions between labour market states and the difference in incidence rates between individuals with concussion relative to matched controls were assessed with hazard ratios from Cox regression models.ResultsPersons with concussion (n = 15.580) had a lower incidence of favourable transitions (HR 0.88, CI 0.86–0.90) and a higher incidence of adverse transitions (HR 1.30, CI 1.27–1.35), relative to matched controls (n = 16.377).The effect of concussion differed depending on health and socioeconomic characteristics. Notably, individuals between 30–39 years (HR 0.83, CI 0.79–0.87), individuals with high-income (200.000–300.000 DKK) (HR 0.83, CI 0.80–0.87), and wage earners with management experience (HR 0.60, CI 0.44–0.81) had a markedly lower incidence of favourable transitions compared to controls. Additionally, individuals with high income also had a higher incidence of adverse transitions (HR 1.46, CI 1.34–1.58) compared to controls.ConclusionsConcussion was associated with enhanced risk of adverse transitions between labour market states and lower occurrence of favourable transitions, indicating work disability, potentially due to persistent post-concussive symptoms. Some age groups, individuals with high income, and employees with management experience may be more affected.

68 The Impact of Pain Catastrophizing on Neuropsychological Performance in Youth with Persistent Post Concussive Symptoms

Objective:Patients with persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) experience prolonged recovery (e.g., headache, fatigue, or dizziness) lasting &gt;2 months post injury. These symptoms are thought to be maintained by several biopsychosocial factors including dysregulated stress responses, such as pain catastrophizing, that may drive behavioral avoidance and contribute to mood symptoms and cognitive difficulties. Conditions with similar symptomatology to PPCS (e.g., anxiety disorders, somatosensory disorders, chronic pain, etc.) also exhibit maladaptive thought patterns like pain catastrophizing as well as decrements in certain aspects of cognitive performance; however little is known about how pain catastrophizing might relate to neuropsychological performance in youth with PPCS. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between pain catastrophizing and neuropsychological performance in youth participants with PPCS.Participants and Methods:A prospective case-control study design was used to examine 29 participants between the ages of 13 to 23. Participants were divided into two groups: 1) patients with PPCS (2-16 months post-injury; n = 15) and 2) age-matched, non-injured controls (n = 14). Participants completed the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) to determine degree of catastrophic thinking related to pain experience and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Neuropsychological performance was assessed using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and a modified version of the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) where performance was evaluated by total correct and error type (i.e., commission and omission) across 5 trials. ANCOVA was used to compare group differences in pain catastrophizing and neuropsychological tests scores while controlling for age and linear regressions examined the relationship between PCS total score and each neuropsychological test score while controlling for level of depression.Results:Overall, the PPCS group reported significantly higher levels of pain catastrophizing on the PCS compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.01). For neuropsychological performance, the PPCS group scored significantly lower than the control group on List Learning (p &lt; 0.01), Semantic Fluency (p &lt; 0.05), and List Recall (p &lt; 0.01) on the RBANS and made significantly higher omission errors (but not commission) on the PASAT(p &lt;.01). Higher pain catastrophizing was also associated with poorer neuropsychological performance on the exact same tasks the PPCS group performed worse than controls. There was no significant interaction by group in the impact of PCS scores on neurocognitive performance.Conclusions:Compared to controls, youth PPCS patients reported higher levels of pain catastrophizing. Additionally, pain catastrophizing was associated with poorer neuropsychological performance. These findings suggest that increased pain catastrophizing after head injury could contribute to poorer cognitive performance in youth. As such, interventions that target maladaptive cognitive coping styles like pain catastrophizing may be especially helpful for patients with PPCS.