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Reuter-Rice K, Fitterer AN, Duquette P, Yang Q, Palipana AK, Laskowitz D, Garrett ME, Fletcher M, Smith J, Makor L, Grant G, Ramsey K, Bloom OJ, Ashley-Koch AE. A study protocol for risk stratification in children with concussion (RSiCC): Theoretical framework, design, and methods. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306399. [PMID: 39024215 PMCID: PMC11257289 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Research shows that one in five children will experience a concussion by age 16. Compared to adults, children experience longer and more severe postconcussive symptoms (PCS), with severity and duration varying considerably among children and complicating management of these patients. Persistent PCS can result in increased school absenteeism, social isolation, and psychological distress. Although early PCS diagnosis and access to evidence-based interventions are strongly linked to positive health and academic outcomes, symptom severity and duration are not fully explained by acute post-injury symptoms. Prior research has focused on the role of neuroinflammation in mediating PCS and associated fatigue; however relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and PCS severity, has not examined longitudinally. To identify which children are at high risk for persistent PCS and poor health, academic, and social outcomes, research tracking PCS trajectories and describing school-based impacts across the entire first year postinjury is critically needed. This study will 1) define novel PCS trajectory typologies in a racially/ethnically diverse population of 500 children with concussion (11-17 years, near equal distribution by sex), 2) identify associations between these typologies and patterns of inflammatory biomarkers and genetic variants, 3) develop a risk stratification model to identify children at risk for persistent PCS; and 4) gain unique insights and describe PCS impact, including fatigue, on longer-term academic and social outcomes. We will be the first to use NIH's symptom science model and patient-reported outcomes to explore the patterns of fatigue and other physical, cognitive, psychological, emotional and academic responses to concussion in children over a full year. Our model will enable clinicians and educators to identify children most at risk for poor long-term health, social, and academic outcomes after concussion. This work is critical to meeting our long-term goal of developing personalized concussion symptom-management strategies to improve outcomes and reduce disparities in the health and quality of life of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Reuter-Rice
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Amanda N. Fitterer
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Peter Duquette
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Univeristy of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Qing Yang
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Anushka K. Palipana
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Daniel Laskowitz
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Melanie E. Garrett
- Duke University School of Medicine, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Margaret Fletcher
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Julia Smith
- Duke University School of Medicine, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Lynn Makor
- Department of Public Instruction, State of North Carolina, Office of Exceptional Children, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Gerald Grant
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kristen Ramsey
- Duke University Health System, Carolina Family Practice and Sports Medicine, Carolina Sports Concussion Clinic, Cary, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - O. Josh Bloom
- Duke University Health System, Carolina Family Practice and Sports Medicine, Carolina Sports Concussion Clinic, Cary, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Allison E. Ashley-Koch
- Duke University School of Medicine, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
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Kureshi S, Mendizabal M, Francis J, Djalilian HR. Conservative Management of Acute Sports-Related Concussions: A Narrative Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:289. [PMID: 38338173 PMCID: PMC10855441 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12030289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohaib Kureshi
- Neurosurgical Medical Clinic, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
- TBI Virtual, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
| | | | | | - Hamid R. Djalilian
- TBI Virtual, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
- Departments of Otolaryngology, Neurological Surgery, and Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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Bunt SC, LoBue C, Hynan LS, Didehbani N, Stokes M, Miller SM, Bell K, Cullum CM. Early vs. delayed evaluation and persisting concussion symptoms during recovery in adults. Clin Neuropsychol 2023; 37:1410-1427. [PMID: 36083237 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2022.2119165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Persisting concussion symptoms may adversely affect return to work and functioning in daily activities. This study compared adults who were initially evaluated < 30 days versus those evaluated ≥ 30 days following a concussion at a specialty concussion clinic to determine if delayed initial evaluation is associated with persisting symptoms during recovery. Method: Participants (N = 205) 18 years of age and older who sustained a concussion and presented to a North Texas Concussion Registry (ConTex) clinic were evaluated at two time points: initial clinical visit and three-month follow-up. Participants provided medical history, injury related information, and completed the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-5 Symptom Evaluation, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8). Participants were divided into two groups: early and delayed evaluation (±30 days post injury). Results: Number and severity of concussion symptoms were similar between both groups at their initial clinical visit. However, linear regression models showed that a delayed clinical evaluation was associated with a greater number and severity of concussion symptoms along with greater aggravation of symptoms from physical and cognitive activity at three-month follow-up. Conclusions: Individuals who sought care at specialty concussion clinics regardless of previous care 30 or more days following their injury reported more serious persisting concussion symptoms at three month follow-up than those who sought care sooner. Education to improve adults' recognition of concussions when they occur and obtaining earlier clinical evaluation may represent important opportunities in promoting better recovery and reducing persisting concussion symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C Bunt
- Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Christian LoBue
- Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Linda S Hynan
- Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Nyaz Didehbani
- Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Mathew Stokes
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Shane M Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Sports Medicine, Scottish Rite for Children, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kathleen Bell
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - C Munro Cullum
- Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Wingerson MJ, Magliato SN, Smulligan KL, Wilson JC, Little CC, Howell DR. Predicting Time to Evaluation After Pediatric Concussion: Factors Affecting Specialty Concussion Care. Orthop J Sports Med 2023; 11:23259671231186430. [PMID: 37655238 PMCID: PMC10467397 DOI: 10.1177/23259671231186430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The timing of clinical evaluation after pediatric concussion represents an important and potentially modifiable clinical milestone for diagnosis, selection of appropriate treatment pathways, and recovery prognosis. Patient demographics, socioeconomic status, or medical history may affect the time to the initial evaluation and subsequently influence recovery outcomes. Purpose/Hypothesis The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the association of patient characteristics with the time to specialty evaluation after a concussion. It was hypothesized that patients with a history of concussion, a preexisting relationship with our specialty concussion program, or a higher ZIP code-based income estimate would present for care more quickly after a concussion than patients without these characteristics. Study Design Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods Included were patients with a concussion between 6 and 18 years old who were seen for care at a single sports medicine center between January 1 and December 31, 2019. Patient demographic, socioeconomic, injury, and clinical characteristics were collected through a retrospective review of the medical records. The primary outcome was the number of days between the date of the concussion and the patient's initial specialty evaluation. Results Overall, 220 patients (mean age, 14.4 ± 2.5 years; 46% female) were seen for care at a mean of 9.7 ± 5.6 days (range, 1-21 days) after concussion. A shorter time to specialty evaluation was associated with a history of concussion (β = -1.72 [95% CI, -3.24 to -0.20]; P = .03) and a prior clinical relationship with the treating clinical department (β = -1.85 [95% CI, -3.52 to -0.19]; P = .03). Referral by a primary care provider was associated with a longer time to evaluation (β = 3.86 [95% CI, 2.39-5.33]; P < .0001). Conclusion A history of concussion and having a preexisting clinical relationship with the deparment were associated with a shorter time to evaluation after concussion. Referral from a primary care physician was associated with a longer time to evaluation. Issues may exist in the propensity to access care after an injury, resulting in delays for initiating early treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew J. Wingerson
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Sports Medicine Center, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Samantha N. Magliato
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Sports Medicine Center, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Katherine L. Smulligan
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Sports Medicine Center, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Julie C. Wilson
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Sports Medicine Center, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Casey C. Little
- Sports Medicine Center, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - David R. Howell
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Sports Medicine Center, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Cassimatis M, Orr R, Fyffe A, Browne G. Association of Sleep Disturbance With Neurocognition, Symptom Severity, and Recovery in Pediatric Concussion: A 10-Year Retrospective Analysis of a Tertiary Referral Concussion Clinic. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2023; 38:231-239. [PMID: 35862900 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the relationship between sleep disturbance, neurocognition, symptom severity, and recovery in children and adolescents with concussion. Sex-related comparisons were also examined. SETTING Pediatric tertiary referral concussion clinic. PARTICIPANTS Children and adolescents (aged 6-18 years; n = 554) diagnosed with concussion. DESIGN Cross-sectional retrospective study. MAIN MEASURES Assessment data were obtained from Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) Applications. Sleep disturbance was quantified using the sleep-related domains of the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) and self-report sleep duration. Sleep duration was categorized as short (<7 hours), intermediate (7-9 hours), and long (≥9 hours). Outcome measures included neurocognition, measured via composite scores of ImPACT cognitive domains (verbal memory, visual memory, visual motor speed, reaction time); symptom severity, using the PCSS; and concussion recovery time (days). RESULTS Short sleep resulted in significantly poorer verbal memory ( P = .03), visual memory ( P = .02), and reaction time ( P = .01). Sleep disturbance was strongly associated with total symptom burden (ρ = 0.90, P < .001). Recovery time, median (interquartile range), was significantly prolonged with short sleep, 61 (30-136) days, compared with intermediate, 38 (21-72) days, and long, 34 (19-71) days, sleep ( P < .001). Overall, female participants demonstrated significantly longer recovery times than male participants (mean 91 ± 95 vs 58 ± 85 days, P < .001). Females exhibited similar concussion recovery times irrespective of reported sleep duration ( P = .95), whereas mean recovery time in males was significantly longer with short sleep (84 ± 82 days) than with intermediate (61 ± 106 days) and long (49 ± 62 days) sleep ( P < .001). CONCLUSION Sleep disturbance following concussion poses as a promising modifiable risk factor to alleviate postinjury impairments, including cognitive deficits and symptom burden. Female children were found to experience more severe concussion symptoms and protracted recovery times than their male counterparts. Investigations into the factors that may contribute to sex-related differences following concussion are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maree Cassimatis
- Discipline of Exercise and Sports Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Health Sciences (Ms Cassimatis, Dr Orr, and Mr Fyffe), and Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School (Browne), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; and Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Children's Hospital Institute of Sports Medicine, Children's Hospital Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Drs Orr and Browne and Mr Fyffe)
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Ramsay S, Dahinten VS, Ranger M, Babul S. Follow-up visits after a concussion in the pediatric population: An integrative review. NeuroRehabilitation 2023; 52:315-328. [PMID: 37005895 PMCID: PMC10200233 DOI: 10.3233/nre-220216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concussions are a significant health issue for children and youth. After a concussion diagnosis, follow-up visits with a health care provider are important for reassessment, continued management, and further education. OBJECTIVE This review aimed to synthesize and analyse the current state of the literature on follow-up visits of children with a concussive injury and examine the factors associated with follow-up visits. METHODS An integrative review was conducted based on Whittemore and Knafl's framework. Databases searched included PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. RESULTS Twenty-four articles were reviewed. We identified follow-up visit rates, timing to a first follow-up visit, and factors associated with follow-up visits as common themes. Follow-up visit rates ranged widely, from 13.2 to 99.5%, but time to the first follow-up visit was only reported in eight studies. Three types of factors were associated with attending a follow-up visit: injury-related factors, individual factors, and health service factors. CONCLUSION Concussed children and youth have varying rates of follow-up care after an initial concussion diagnosis, with little known about the timing of this visit. Diverse factors are associated with the first follow-up visit. Further research on follow-up visits after a concussion in this population is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Ramsay
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - V Susan Dahinten
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Manon Ranger
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shelina Babul
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Injury and Research Prevention Unit, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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