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Jo J, Wong G, Williams KL, Davis PJ, Rigney GH, Zuckerman SL, Terry DP. Age of First Exposure to Contact Sports Is Not Associated With Worse Later-In-Life Brain Health in a Cohort of Community-Dwelling Older Men. Clin J Sport Med 2024:00042752-990000000-00215. [PMID: 38990169 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000001251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether early age of first exposure to contact sports (AFE-CS) is associated with worse long-term brain health outcomes. DESIGN A cross-sectional, survey study of older men with a history of contact sport participation was completed. SETTING Tertiary care facility. PARTICIPANTS A cohort of community-dwelling older men dichotomized by using AFE-CS (<12 years vs ≥12 years). INTERVENTIONS Independent variables included a dichotomized group of AFE-CS (<12 years vs ≥12 years). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Brain health outcomes measured by depression, anxiety, cognitive difficulties, and neurobehavioral symptoms. Endorsements of general health problems, motor symptoms, and psychiatric history were also collected. Age of first exposure groups was compared using t tests, χ2 tests, and multivariable linear regressions, which included the following covariates: age, number of prior concussions, and total years of contact sport. RESULTS Of 69 men aged 70.5 ± 8.0 years, approximately one-third of the sample (34.8%) reported AFE-CS before age 12 years. That group had more years of contact sports (10.8 ± 9.2 years) compared with those with AFE-CS ≥12 (5.6 ± 4.5 years; P = 0.02). No differences were found after univariate testing between AFE-CS groups on all outcomes (P-values >0.05). Multivariable models suggest that AFE-CS is not a predictor of depression or anxiety. Those in the AFE-CS <12 group had fewer cognitive difficulties (P = 0.03) and fewer neurobehavioral symptoms (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Those with AFE-CS <12 to contact sports did not have worse long-term brain health outcomes compared with those with AFE-CS ≥12. Individuals with AFE-CS <12 had significantly lower British Columbia Cognitive Complaints Inventory and Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory scores compared with those with AFE-CS ≥12. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The benefits of earlier AFE-CS may outweigh the risks of head strikes and result in comparable long-term brain health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Jo
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt Sport Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; and
| | - Gunther Wong
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt Sport Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; and
| | - Kristen L Williams
- Vanderbilt Sport Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; and
| | - Philip J Davis
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt Sport Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; and
| | - Grant H Rigney
- Vanderbilt Sport Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Scott L Zuckerman
- Vanderbilt Sport Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; and
| | - Douglas P Terry
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt Sport Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; and
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Waters AB, Bottari SA, Jones LC, Lamb DG, Lewis GF, Williamson JB. Regional associations of white matter integrity and neurological, post-traumatic stress disorder and autonomic symptoms in Veterans with and without history of loss of consciousness in mild TBI. FRONTIERS IN NEUROIMAGING 2024; 2:1265001. [PMID: 38268858 PMCID: PMC10806103 DOI: 10.3389/fnimg.2023.1265001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) share overlapping symptom presentations and are highly comorbid conditions among Veteran populations. Despite elevated presentations of PTSD after mTBI, mechanisms linking the two are unclear, although both have been associated with alterations in white matter and disruptions in autonomic regulation. The present study aimed to determine if there is regional variability in white matter correlates of symptom severity and autonomic functioning in a mixed sample of Veterans with and without PTSD and/or mTBI (N = 77). Methods Diffusion-weighted images were processed to extract fractional anisotropy (FA) values for major white matter structures. The PTSD Checklist-Military version (PCL-M) and Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) were used to determine symptom domains within PTSD and mTBI. Autonomic function was assessed using continuous blood pressure and respiratory sinus arrythmia during a static, standing angle positional test. Mixed-effect models were used to assess the regional specificity of associations between symptom severity and white matter, with FA, global symptom severity (score), and white matter tract (tract) as predictors. Additional interaction terms of symptom domain (i.e., NSI and PCL-M subscales) and loss of consciousness (LoC) were added to evaluate potential moderating effects. A parallel analysis was conducted to explore concordance with autonomic functioning. Results Results from the two-way Score × Tract interaction suggested that global symptom severity was associated with FA in the cingulum angular bundle (positive) and uncinate fasciculus (negative) only, without variability by symptom domain. We also found regional specificity in the relationship between FA and autonomic function, such that FA was positively associated with autonomic function in all tracts except the cingulum angular bundle. History of LoC moderated the association for both global symptom severity and autonomic function. Conclusions Our findings are consistent with previous literature suggesting that there is significant overlap in the symptom presentation in TBI and PTSD, and white matter variability associated with LoC in mTBI may be associated with increased PTSD-spectra symptoms. Further research on treatment response in patients with both mTBI history and PTSD incorporating imaging and autonomic assessment may be valuable in understanding the role of brain injury in treatment outcomes and inform treatment design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail B. Waters
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, North Florida/South Georgia VAMC, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Sarah A. Bottari
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for OCD and Anxiety Related Disorders, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Laura C. Jones
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for OCD and Anxiety Related Disorders, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Damon G. Lamb
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, North Florida/South Georgia VAMC, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for OCD and Anxiety Related Disorders, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Gregory F. Lewis
- Socioneural Physiology Lab, Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - John B. Williamson
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, North Florida/South Georgia VAMC, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for OCD and Anxiety Related Disorders, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Akin FW, Swan AA, Kalvesmaki A, Hall CD, Riska KM, Stressman KD, Nguyen H, Amuan M, Pugh MJ. Factors That Impact the Long-Term Outcome of Postconcussive Dizziness Among Post-9/11 Veterans. Am J Audiol 2023; 32:706-720. [PMID: 37040302 DOI: 10.1044/2023_aja-22-00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The primary aim of this study was to examine the factors associated with long-term outcomes of postconcussive disruptive dizziness in Veterans of the post-9/11 wars. METHOD For this observational cohort study, the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory-Vestibular subscale (NSI-V) score was used as an outcome measure for dizziness in 987 post-9/11 Veterans who indicated disruptive dizziness at an initial Veterans Health Administration Comprehensive Traumatic Brain Injury Evaluation (CTBIE). An NSI-V change score was calculated as the difference in the scores obtained at the initial CTBIE and on a subsequent survey. Differences in the NSI-V change scores were examined for demographics, injury characteristics, comorbidities, and vestibular and balance function variables, and multiple linear regression analyses were used to explore associations among the variables and the NSI-V change score. RESULTS The majority of Veterans (61%) demonstrated a decrease in the NSI-V score, suggesting less dizziness on the survey compared with the CTBIE; 16% showed no change; and 22% had a higher score. Significant differences in the NSI-V change score were observed for traumatic brain injury (TBI) status, diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), headache and insomnia, and vestibular function. Multivariate regressions revealed significant associations between the NSI-V change score and the initial CTBIE NSI-V score, education level, race/ethnicity, TBI status, diagnoses of PTSD or hearing loss, and vestibular function. CONCLUSIONS Postconcussive dizziness can continue for years following an injury. Factors associated with poor prognosis include TBI, diagnoses of PTSD or hearing loss, abnormal vestibular function, increased age, identification as a Black Veteran, and high school education level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith W Akin
- Vestibular and Balance Laboratory, James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, Mountain Home, TN
- Department of Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
| | - Alicia A Swan
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at San Antonio
- Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio
| | - Andrea Kalvesmaki
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center of Innovation, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, UT
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | - Courtney D Hall
- Vestibular and Balance Laboratory, James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, Mountain Home, TN
- Physical Therapy Program, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
| | - Kristal M Riska
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Kara D Stressman
- Vestibular and Balance Laboratory, James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, Mountain Home, TN
| | - Huong Nguyen
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center of Innovation, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, UT
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | - Megan Amuan
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center of Innovation, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, UT
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | - Mary Jo Pugh
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center of Innovation, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, UT
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
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Silva MA, Gonzalez AV, Tang X, Carnahan ND, Klyce DW, Liou-Johnson V, Martin AM, Moberg JM, Dreer LE. Examining the Relationship Between Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and Suicide Risk in Veterans With Traumatic Brain Injury: A VA TBI Model Systems Study. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2023; 38:359-367. [PMID: 36727802 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder in people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although sleep disturbances have been associated with an increased risk of suicide compared with the general population, the relationship between OSA and suicide risk after TBI is not well documented. In this study, we hypothesized that OSA diagnosis would predict suicide risk in veterans with TBI. SETTING Five Veterans Affairs (VA) Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers. PARTICIPANTS Participants were drawn from the VA TBI Model Systems study, with follow-up interviews at year 1 ( n = 392), year 2 ( n = 444), year 5 ( n = 498), or year 10 ( n = 252) post-TBI (7.8%-14.5% follow-up attrition). DESIGN This was a retrospective analysis from observational data using logistic regression with repeated measurements. Suicide ideation and suicide attempts were examined as outcomes at each follow-up to evaluate the relationship between OSA and suicide risk after adjusting for other risk factors determined a priori via literature review. MAIN MEASURES Suicidal ideation (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item 9), suicide attempt during the past year (self-reported), and OSA diagnosis (self-reported). RESULTS Contrary to study hypotheses, OSA diagnosis had no statistically significant association with suicide ideation or attempt after accounting for known predictors. However, greater depression symptoms, headache severity, and pre-TBI suicidal ideation and attempts predicted suicide risk at follow-up after accounting for other predictors. CONCLUSIONS Results of this study did not support a relationship between OSA and suicide risk, possibly due to methodological limitations of OSA measurement. Future research on this topic should include objective measures of OSA severity and OSA treatment including adherence. Although suicide is a low base rate occurrence, the impact is disastrous and further research is needed to mitigate suicide risk.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Brain Injuries, Traumatic/diagnosis
- Brain Injuries, Traumatic/epidemiology
- Brain Injuries, Traumatic/complications
- Retrospective Studies
- Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/diagnosis
- Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/epidemiology
- Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/complications
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/diagnosis
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/epidemiology
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/complications
- Suicidal Ideation
- Suicide, Attempted
- Veterans
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Silva
- Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Section (Drs Silva, Gonzalez, and Martin) and Research Service (Mr Moberg), James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, Florida; Dept. of Internal Medicine and Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa (Dr Silva); Tampa VA Research and Education Foundation, Tampa, Florida (Dr Tang); Central Virginia VA Health Care System, Richmond (Drs Carnahan and Klyce); Dept. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (Dr Klyce); Sheltering Arms Institute, Richmond, Virginia (Dr Klyce); VA Palo Alto Healthcare Center, Palo Alto, California (Dr Liou-Johnson); Clinical Excellence Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California (Dr Liou-Johnson); Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence (TBICoE), Tampa, Florida (Mr Moberg); and University of Alabama at Birmingham (Dr Dreer). Dr Carnahan is now affiliated with the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
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