Sleep Disturbance Following Concussion Is a Risk Factor for a Prolonged Recovery

Sleep After Concussion: A Scoping Review of Sensor Technologies

Sleep disturbances following a concussion/mild traumatic brain injury are associated with longer recovery times and more comorbidities. Sensor technologies can directly monitor sleep-related physiology and provide objective sleep metrics. This scoping review determines how sensor technologies are currently used to monitor sleep following a concussion. We searched Ovid (Medline, Embase), Web of Science, CINAHL, Compendex Engineering Village, and PsycINFO from inception to June 20, 2022, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for scoping reviews. Included studies objectively monitored sleep in participants with concussion. We screened 1081 articles and included 37 in the review. A total of 17 studies implemented polysomnography (PSG) months to years after injury for a median of two nights and provided a wide range of sleep metrics, including sleep-wake times, sleep stages, arousal indices, and periodic limb movements. Twenty-two studies used actigraphy days to weeks after injury for a median of 10 days and nights and provided information limited to sleep-wake times. Sleep stages were most reported in PSG studies, and sleep efficiency was most reported in actigraphy studies. For both technologies there was high variability in reported outcome measures. Sleep sensing technologies may be used to identify how sleep affects concussion recovery. However, high variability in sensor deployment methodologies makes cross-study comparisons difficult and highlights the need for standardization. Consensus on how sleep sensing technologies are used post-concussion may lead to clinical integration with subjective methods for improved sleep monitoring during the recovery period.

Acute Concussion

Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injury. They result from external force to the head that causes a neuro-metabolic cascade to unfold. This can then lead to a variety of symptoms in the domains of physical, cognition, mood, and sleep. Concussions are a clinical diagnosis but it is important to rule out acute intracranial pathology through a detailed history and physical examination in addition to possible head imaging. Treatment should include an individualized approach that focuses on what domains are affected after concussion.

Exercising More Than 150 min/wk After Concussion Is Associated With Sleep Quality Improvements

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether a high volume of aerobic exercise after concussion (>150 min/wk) is associated with improved sleep quality over a 1-month period. We hypothesized that more than 150 min/wk of exercise would be associated with improved sleep quality across concussion recovery.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort observational study.

SETTING

Sports medicine clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

Adolescents initially tested 8.4 ± 3.5 (range, 2-18) days postconcussion who returned for a follow-up assessment 34.3 ± 7.7 (range: 20-49) days postconcussion.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory. No specific exercise or sleep recommendations were given beyond what their treating physician provided. Between study visits, participants recorded exercise performed via wrist-worn actigraphy. We calculated average exercise minutes per week and grouped participants as those who exercised more than 150 min/wk versus those who exercised 150 min/wk or less.

RESULTS

Thirty-six adolescents participated. Fifteen (42%) recorded more than 150 min/wk of aerobic exercise (age = 14.0 ± 1.7 years; 47% female; mean = 5.6 ± 1.2 d/wk of exercise; mean = 49.2 ± 17.5 min/session), and 21 recorded 150 min/wk or less of aerobic exercise (age = 15.0 ± 1.9 years; 76% female; mean = 2.7 ± 1.6 d/wk of exercise; mean = 30.2 ± 7.8 min/session). There were no significant group differences in the proportion of those who self-reported beginning physical activity prior to enrollment (47% vs 33%; P = .42) or for initial sleep quality rating (8.0 ± 3.7 vs 8.6 ± 4.1; P = .67) or initial concussion symptom severity rating (34.9 ± 28.0 vs 42.6 ± 25.9; P = .40). The group that exercised more than 150 min/wk between visits demonstrated significantly greater median PSQI rating improvements than those who exercised 150 min/wk or less, with a large effect size noted (median change [interquartile range] = 5 [3, 7] vs 1 [0, 4]; P = .008; Cohen d = 0.96).

CONCLUSION

Current recommendations suggest that subsymptom aerobic exercise can be beneficial after concussion. Our findings indicate that an exercise volume of more than 150 min/wk led to greater sleep quality improvements than those who exercised below this level.

Characteristics of Pediatric Concussion across Different Mechanisms of Injury in 5 through 12-Year-Olds

OBJECTIVE

To investigate characteristics of sport-related concussion (SRC), recreation-related concussion (RRC), and nonsport or recreation-related concussion (non-SRRC) in patients 5 through 12 years old, an understudied population in youth concussion.

STUDY DESIGN

This observational study included patients aged 5 through 12 years presenting to a specialty care concussion setting at ≤28 days postinjury from 2018 through 2022. The following characteristics were assessed: demographics, injury mechanism (SRC, RRC, or SRRC), point of healthcare entry, and clinical signs and symptoms. Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests were used to assess group differences. Posthoc pairwise comparisons were employed for all analyses (α = 0.017).

RESULTS

One thousand one hundred forty-one patients reported at ≤28 days of injury (female = 42.9%, median age = 11, interquartile range (IQR) = 9-12) with the most common mechanism being RRC (37.3%), followed by non-SRRC (31.9%). More non-SRRCs (39.6%) and RRC (35.7%) were first seen in the emergency department (P < .001) compared with SRC (27.9%). Patients with RRC and non-SRRC were first evaluated at specialists 2 and 3 days later than SRC (P < .001). Patients with non-SRRC reported with higher symptom burden, more frequent visio-vestibular abnormalities, and more changes to sleep and daily habits (P < .001) compared with RRC and SRC (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

In concussion patients 5 through 12 years, RRCs and non-SRRC were more prevalent than SRC, presenting first more commonly to the emergency department and taking longer to present to specialists. Non-SRRC had more severe clinical features. RRC and non-SRRC are distinct from SRC in potential for less supervision at time of injury and less direct access to established concussion health care following injury.

Concussion and the Sleeping Brain

BACKGROUND

Emerging research has suggested sleep to be a modifier of the trajectory of concussion recovery in adolescent and adult populations. Despite the growing recognition of the relationship between sleep and concussion, the mechanisms and physiological processes governing this association have yet to be established.

MAIN BODY

Following a concussion, a pathophysiologic cascade of events occurs, characterized by numerous factors including microglia activation, ionic imbalance, and release of excitatory neurotransmitters. Importantly, each of these factors plays a role in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. Therefore, dysregulation of sleep following injury may be a function of the diffuse disruption of cerebral functioning in the wake of both axonal damage and secondary physiological events. As the onset of sleep-related symptoms is highly variable following a concussion, clinicians should be aware of when and how these symptoms present. Post-injury changes in sleep have been reported in the acute, sub-acute, and chronic phases of recovery and can prolong symptom resolution, affect neurocognitive performance, and influence mood state. Though these changes support sleep as a modifier of recovery, limited guidance exists for clinicians or their patients in the management of sleep after concussion. This may be attributed to the fact that research has correlated sleep with concussion recovery but has failed to explain why the correlation exists. Sleep is a complex, multifactorial process and the changes seen in sleep that are seen following concussion are the result of interactions amongst numerous processes that regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

SHORT CONCLUSION

The assessment and management of sleep by identifying and considering the biological, sociological, and psychological interactions of this multifactorial process will allow for clinicians to address the dynamic nature of changes in sleep following concussion.

Contemporary diagnosis and management of mild TBI (concussions): What you need to know

ABSTRACT

Concussion is a common injury in children and adolescents and is a form of mild traumatic brain injury that surgeons will see in their acute care practice. With a rapidly changing evidence base for diagnosis and management, we will focus on the importance of timely identification and diagnosis, as well as the early initiation of active management of pediatric concussion immediately after injury through recovery. This approach involves the application of targeted therapies for specific deficits identified after concussion, addressing the individual pattern of symptoms experienced by patients following concussion. We will review what is known about the underlying pathophysiology that drives the clinical manifestations of concussion, the targeted clinical assessments that can both aid in the diagnosis of concussion, as well as drive the active rehabilitation of deficits seen after concussion. The standardized approach to the return to activities will also be described, including return to learning and sports.

The Association Among Clinical Profiles, Modifiers, and Prolonged Recovery in Adolescents With Sport-Related Concussion

OBJECTIVE

The purposes were to (1) describe the prevalence of clinical profiles and modifiers, (2) examine the association between clinical profiles and prolonged recovery, and (3) examine the interaction between clinical profiles and modifiers and prolonged recovery in adolescents with sport-related concussion (SRC).

DESIGN

Retrospective, cross-sectional.

SETTING

Interdisciplinary specialty sports concussion clinic.

PATIENTS

Patients (n = 299) aged 12 to 19 years who were diagnosed with SRC within 30 days of injury.

INDEPENDENT VARIABLES

Clinical profiles and modifiers were decided by the clinical judgment of the clinical neuropsychologist and sports medicine physician, using data from the Clinical Profile Screen and information gathered from the clinical interview, neurocognitive, and vestibular and ocular motor testing.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prolonged recovery was defined as ≥28 days from the date of injury to the date of clearance.

RESULTS

The most common clinical profiles were migraine (34.8%) and cognitive-fatigue (23.4%). There were no significant relationships between clinical profiles and prolonged recovery (Wald = 5.89, df = 4, P = 0.21). The presence of a modifier did not significantly affect the relationship between clinical profiles and prolonged recovery ( = 6.5, df = 5, P = 0.26). The presence of any modifier yielded a 10-day increase in median recovery time within the cognitive/fatigue clinical profile (Wilcoxon rank-sum = 268.5, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Although patients with a clinical profile and modifier may not experience prolonged recovery, they may experience longer recovery time than patients with a clinical profile and no modifier.

Influence of sleep symptoms on recovery from concussion in collegiate athletes: a LIMBIC MATARS consortium investigation

OBJECTIVE

Changes in sleep quality and quantity are commonly endorsed by individuals following a concussion. Limited data exists examining the role of sleep disturbances within 72 hours, and throughout recovery, from concussion. The objective of this study was to determine if the number of days to symptom resolution varied between collegiate athletes with or without sleep-related symptoms following a concussion.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

METHODS

Collegiate athletes (n = 539) who were diagnosed with a concussion between the 2015-2020 sport seasons participated in this retrospective chart review. Participants were divided into groups based on the presence or absence of sleep symptoms within 72 hours of a diagnosed concussion. A Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare days to symptom resolution between groups with α = 0.05.

RESULTS

Of the 539 participants, 250 (46.3%) reported sleep-related symptoms. Participants with sleep-related symptoms took significantly longer (U = 30656, p = 0.002) to report symptom resolution at rest (median [full range] = 8.00[0-423]) as compared to participants who did not report sleep-related symptoms (6.00[0-243] days).

CONCLUSION

Collegiate athletes that report sleep-related symptoms immediately following concussion (<72 hours) were observed to take, on median, two days longer to achieve symptom resolution at rest when compared to athletes who did not endorse the same symptoms.

Association between days for concussion recovery and initial specialty clinic evaluation within 48 hours

BACKGROUND

Researchers have highlighted the importance of early access to concussion care within one week of injury in reducing recovery times. However, a persisting question for concussion researchers is "just how early is important?" The purpose of this study was to examine differences in recovery time as predicted by the number of days elapsed since injury (DSI) to initial evaluation among patients who had access to a specialty concussion clinic within seven days. We hypothesized that DSI group membership, even within seven days, would significantly predict risk of protracted recovery (i.e., beyond 21 days).

METHODS

In this archival study, retrospective data were gathered from electronic medical records between September 2020 to March 2022. Records of participants between ages 12-18, those diagnosed with a sports-related concussion based on initial clinic visit diagnosis by a medical provider and those who established care within seven days of injury at a large pediatric specialty concussion clinic were examined. Participants were divided into three DSI groups (patients seen in < 48 h: "acute", patients seen between 49 h < and < 96 h: "sub-acute", and patients seen between 97 < and < 168 h: "post-acute"). A general linear model was constructed to examine relationships between relevant concussion factors (e.g., Post Concussion Scale Score, neurodevelopmental history, psychiatric history, concussion history, migraine history, overall VOMS change score, cognitive testing, sex, age, race, and ethnicity) that were either significant in the preliminary analysis or in clinical judgement and recovery time. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) were derived from a binary logistic regression model, in which recovery time was normal (≤ 21 recovery days) or protracted (> 21 recovery days).

RESULTS

A total of 856 participants were eligible. Adolescents in the acute group (M = 15.12, SD = 8.04) had shorter recovery times in days compared to those in the sub-acute (M = 17.98, SD = 10.18) and post-acute (M = 21.12, SD = 10.12; F = 26.00, p < .001) groups. Further, participants in the acute (OR = 4.16) and sub-acute (OR = 1.37) groups who accessed specialty concussion clinics within 48 h were 4 times more likely to have a normal recovery and recovered approximately 6 days faster than the post-acute care group.

CONCLUSIONS

Earlier concussion care access predicted recovery times and was associated with lower risk for protracted recovery.

Postinjury Outcomes After Non-Sport-Related Concussion: A CARE Consortium Study

CONTEXT

Concussion research has primarily focused on sport-related mechanisms and excluded non-sport-related mechanisms. In adult populations, non-sport-related concussions (non-SRCs) demonstrated worse clinical outcomes compared with sport-related concussions (SRCs); however, investigations of non-SRCs in college-aged patients are limited.

OBJECTIVES

To examine clinical outcomes in collegiate athletes with non-SRCs compared with SRCs and explore sex differences in outcomes among collegiate athletes with non-SRCs.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Clinical setting.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS

A total of 3500 athletes were included (n = 555 with non-SRCs, 42.5% female) from colleges or universities and service academies participating in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Department of Defense Concussion Assessment, Research and Education (CARE) Consortium.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Dichotomous outcomes (yes or no) consisted of immediate reporting, mental status alterations, loss of consciousness, posttraumatic amnesia, retrograde amnesia, motor impairments, delayed symptom presentation, and required hospital transport. Continuous outcomes were symptom severity, days with concussion symptoms, and days lost to injury. Data were collected within 24 to 48 hours of injury and at return to play. Adjusted relative risks (ARRs) compared the likelihood of dichotomous outcomes by mechanism and by sex within patients with non-SRCs. Multivariate negative binomial regressions were used to assess group differences in continuous variables.

RESULTS

Athletes with non-SRCs were less likely to report immediately (ARR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.65, 0.81) and more likely to report delayed symptom presentation (ARR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.32), loss of consciousness (ARR = 3.15, 95% CI = 2.32, 4.28), retrograde amnesia (ARR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.22, 2.57), and motor impairment (ARR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.14, 1.84). Athletes with non-SRCs described greater symptom severity, more symptomatic days, and more days lost to injury (P < .001) compared with those who had SRCs. Within the non-SRC group, female athletes indicated greater symptom severity, more symptomatic days, and more days lost to injury (P < .03) than male athletes.

CONCLUSIONS

Athletes with non-SRCs had worse postinjury outcomes compared with those who had SRCs, and female athletes with non-SRCs had worse recovery metrics than male athletes. Our findings suggest that further investigation of individuals with non-SRCs is needed to improve concussion reporting and management.

The association between sleep and physical activity with persisting postconcussion symptoms among adolescent athletes

BACKGROUND

Both sleep duration and physical activity following concussion may influence subsequent recovery. Objective measurement of sleep and physical activity behavior via wearable technology may provide insights into their association with concussion recovery.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether sleep behavior (eg, duration, timing) and/or physical activity (steps/day, or exercise frequency, duration, intensity) in the first month after adolescent sports-related concussion are associated with developing persisting postconcussion symptoms (PPCS).

DESIGN

Case-control.

SETTING

Outpatient sports medicine clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

The study prospectively enrolled adolescent athletes who sustained a concussion (N = 49, age = 14.8 ± 1.8 years; 51% female) who were evaluated within 14 days of concussion (mean = 6.7 ± 2.7 days) and followed uvia sleep/physical activity monitoring for the subsequent 2 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Participants wore a monitor to track sleep (sleep time, wake time, and time spent awake in bed at night) and physical activity (average steps/day, exercise frequency, exercise duration) behavior for 2 weeks after initial assessment. Participants were followed until symptom resolution, and the main outcome of interest was development of PPCS (symptom duration >28 days). A multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine associations between physical activity and sleep behavior with PPCS.

RESULTS

Of the 49 participants, 47% (n = 23, mean symptom resolution = 57 ± 23 days post injury) developed PPCS and 53% (n = 26, mean symptom resolution = 15 ± 7 days post injury) did not. Univariable analysis showed that the PPCS group took fewer steps/day (7526 ± 2975 vs. 9803 ± 3786 steps/day; p = .02), exercised less frequently (2.5 ± 2.2 vs. 4.4 ± 2.1 days/week; p = .005), and spent more time in bed awake (1.2 ± 0.3 vs. 0.8 ± 0.3 h/night; p = .03) than the no PPCS group. Multivariable results indicated the odds of developing PPCS significantly increased with fewer exercise session/week (adjusted odds ratio = 1.96, 95% confidence interval = 1.09, 3.51, p = .024).

CONCLUSIONS

More exercise sessions that were longer than 15 minutes during concussion recovery was associated with a lower risk of developing PPCS, whereas sleep and other physical activity measures were not. Further studies regarding exercise duration and intensity are needed. Clinicians may consider advising patients to optimize sleep and physical activity during concussion recovery.

Influence of Personal and Injury-Related Factors Predicting Deficits in Quality of Life Domains Among Pediatric Athletes: Findings From the Sport Concussion Outcomes in Pediatrics Study

OBJECTIVE

To examine patient and injury factors that may predict quality of life (QoL) and symptom duration after concussion.

DESIGN

Prospective, longitudinal.

SETTINGS

Six children's hospital-based medical centers and 9 secondary school athletic training facilities.

PATIENTS

Pediatric patients (8-18 years) were enrolled as part of the Sport Concussion Outcomes in Pediatrics (SCOPE) study during their initial visit for a diagnosis of sport-related concussion.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients completed a medical history, the Postconcussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pediatric Profile-25 (PROMIS-PP).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Eight predictor variables [age, sex, assessment time, loss of consciousness, amnesia and history of concussion, migraines, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or (ADHD)] were assessed using regression models constructed for each dependent variable.

RESULTS

A total of 244 patients (15.1 ± 2.1 years, 41% female) were enrolled (mean = 5 ± 3 days after concussion; range = 1-14 days). Female sex, later initial assessment, and presence of amnesia were associated with lower QoL scores on several domains, whereas loss of consciousness was associated with higher QoL for fatigue. A history of migraines was associated with lower peer relationship QoL. Patients who subsequently developed persisting symptoms had lower mobility scores and higher anxiety, depressive symptom, fatigue, and pain interference scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Female sex, later clinic presentation, and amnesia were associated with a lower QoL related to mobility, anxiety, depressive symptoms, fatigue, and pain interference. Interestingly, previous concussion and preinjury ADHD diagnosis did not negatively impact postinjury QoL at the initial visit. Future studies should assess the influence of these factors on QoL at later postinjury time points using a concussion-specific outcomes instrument.

Sleep/Wake Disorders After Sports Concussion: Risks, Revelations, and Interventions

SUMMARY

Sleep-wake disturbances (SWDs) are among the most prevalent, persistent, and often disregarded sequelae of traumatic brain injury. Identification and treatment of SWDs in patients with traumatic brain injury is important and can complement other efforts to promote maximum functional recovery. SWDs can accentuate other consequences of traumatic brain injury, negatively affect mood, exacerbate pain, heighten irritability, and diminish cognitive abilities and the potential for recovery. The risk for sports injuries increases when athletes are sleep deprived. Sleep deprivation increases risk-taking behaviors, predisposing to injuries. SWDs are an independent risk factor for prolonged recovery after sports-related concussion. SWDs following sports-related concussion have been shown to impede recovery, rehabilitation, and return to preinjury activities.

When should an athlete retire or discontinue participating in contact or collision sports following sport-related concussion? A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the scientific literature regarding factors to consider when providing advice or guidance to athletes about retirement from contact or collision sport following sport-related concussion (SRC), and to define contraindications to children/adolescent athletes entering or continuing with contact or collision sports after SRC.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase, SPORTSDiscus, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched systematically.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Studies were included if they were (1) original research, (2) reported on SRC as the primary source of injury, (3) evaluated the history, clinical assessment and/or investigation of findings that may preclude participation in sport and (4) evaluated mood disturbance and/or neurocognitive deficits, evidence of structural brain injury or risk factors for increased risk of subsequent SRC or prolonged recovery.

RESULTS

Of 4355 articles identified, 93 met the inclusion criteria. None of the included articles directly examined retirement and/or discontinuation from contact or collision sport. Included studies examined factors associated with increased risk of recurrent SRC or prolonged recovery following SRC. In general, these were low-quality cohort studies with heterogeneous results and moderate risk of bias. Higher number and/or severity of symptoms at presentation, sleep disturbance and symptom reproduction with Vestibular Ocular Motor Screen testing were associated with prolonged recovery and history of previous concussion was associated with a risk of further SRC.

CONCLUSION

No evidence was identified to support the inclusion of any patient-specific, injury-specific or other factors (eg, imaging findings) as absolute indications for retirement or discontinued participation in contact or collision sport following SRC.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022155121.

Does Sleep Quality Influence Recovery Outcomes After Postconcussive Injury in Children and Adolescents?

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether objective parameters of sleep quality differ throughout recovery between children and adolescents who experienced an early return to school (RTS) and those who had a delayed RTS or did not return at all during the study period.

SETTING

Sleep parameters reflective of sleep quality were evaluated in participants' natural sleeping habitat throughout 9 weeks postinjury.

PARTICIPANTS

Ninety-four children and adolescents (aged 5-18 years) with diagnosed concussion.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort. Participants followed RTS protocols.

MAIN MEASURES

Actigraphy-derived estimates of total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE), wake after sleep onset (WASO), average arousal length (AAL), and number of arousals (NOAs) per hour were assessed. The length of time from injury until RTS was determined for each participant. Participants were categorized into an early RTS or delayed RTS group based on their time to RTS.

RESULTS

Both TST and SE were significantly greater in the early RTS group. WASO duration, AAL, and NOAs were significantly greater in the delayed RTS group. Differences between RTS groups were most apparent during weeks 1 to 5 postinjury.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Participants who returned to school earlier had significantly better objective sleep quality than participants who experienced a delayed RTS. This study provides evidence in support of a relationship between sleep quality and time to RTS in children and adolescents with concussion. Considering early monitoring of sleep, education regarding sleep hygiene, and access to age-appropriate sleep interventions may be helpful in pediatric concussion recovery.

Sleep Problems After Concussion Are Associated With Poor Balance and Persistent Postconcussion Symptoms

We examined the association of self-reported sleep problems with clinical measures of postural stability, memory performance, symptom burden, and symptom duration following youth concussion. Patients 6-18 years of age presenting ≤21 days postconcussion underwent a clinical evaluation including modified Balance Error Scoring System, single- and dual-task tandem gait, immediate and delayed recall, and symptom severity. We calculated time from injury until symptom resolution and determined the proportion of patients who developed persistent postconcussion symptoms, defined as a symptom duration >28 days postconcussion. We grouped patients based on whether they reported sleep problems at their postconcussion clinical evaluation and compared symptom-based and functional outcomes between groups. Of the 207 patients included, n = 97 (14.3 ± 2.9 years; 49% female; initial visit 10.2 ± 5.8 days postconcussion) reported sleep problems postconcussion and n = 110 (14.3 ± 2.4 years; 46% female; initial visit 9.3 ± 5.4 days postinjury) did not. Those reporting sleep problems postconcussion had significantly more modified Balance Error Scoring System errors than those without (8.4 ± 5.5 vs 6.7 ± 4.7; P = .01), but similar tandem gait and memory performance. A significantly greater proportion of those who reported sleep problems postconcussion experienced persistent postconcussion symptoms than those who did not (53% vs 31%; P = .004). After adjusting for time from concussion to clinical visit and preconcussion sleep problems, postconcussion sleep problems were associated with a 2 times greater odds of developing persistent postconcussion symptoms (adjusted odds ratio = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.01, 4.06; P = .049). Identifying sleep problems early following concussion may allow clinicians to implement targeted treatment recommendations to improve sleep and provide an optimal recovery environment.

Primary and Secondary Risk Factors Associated With Concussion Symptom Clusters in Collegiate Athletes: Results From the NCAA-DoD Grand Alliance CARE Consortium

Background

There is a broad and diverse range of symptoms after a concussion, from irritability to nausea. This heterogeneity of symptoms is a challenge for clinicians managing the different presentations among injuries. Prior research has investigated the structure of postconcussive symptoms to determine if they can be grouped into clusters of related symptoms.

Purpose/Hypothesis

The purpose of this study was to identify symptom clusters during the acute phase after a sports-related concussion using exploratory factor analysis and to understand the relationship between risk factors for postconcussion symptoms (ie, demographics, injury characteristics, mental health, and sleep qualities) and different symptom clusters. We hypothesized that certain factors would be predictive of specific symptom clusters.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Collegiate athletes (N = 1104) from the Concussion, Assessment, Research, and Education (CARE) Consortium completed the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-Third Edition symptom assessment tool 24 to 48 hours after concussion. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted on the symptom evaluation to determine symptom clusters 24 to 48 hours after concussion. Regression analysis was used to examine the effects of pre- and postinjury characteristics.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 4-cluster structure for acute postconcussive symptoms that explained 62% of the variance in symptom reporting: vestibular-cognitive, migrainous, cognitive fatigue, and affective. Delayed reporting, less sleep before assessment, female sex, and being hurt outside of competition (during practice/training) was correlated with increased symptoms for 4 symptom clusters. Depression predicted higher vestibular-cognitive and affective symptoms. Amnesia was correlated with higher vestibular-cognitive and migrainous symptoms, whereas migraine history was associated with more migrainous and affective symptoms.

Conclusion

Symptoms can be grouped into 1 of 4 distinct clusters. Certain variables were associated with increased symptoms across multiple clusters and may be indicative of greater injury severity. Other factors (ie, migraine history, depression, amnesia) were associated with a more specific symptom presentation and may be mechanistically related to concussion outcomes and biological markers.

Early physical activity after concussion is associated with sleep quality but not dizziness among adolescent athletes

OBJECTIVES

To assess the association between early physical activity and post-concussion sleep quality, dizziness, and postural stability among adolescents with concussion compared to uninjured controls.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

METHODS

Adolescents ages 13-18 years assessed within 14 days post-concussion and uninjured controls. Those with concussion reported if they participated in physical activity between the concussion and assessment. Participants completed the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and single/dual-task tandem gait.

RESULTS

We enrolled 34 participants with concussion (early physical activity: n = 10, age = 15.8 ± 1.6 years, 70% female; no physical activity: n = 24, age = 16.0 ± 1.3 years, 50% female) and 21 uninjured controls (age = 16.0 ± 1.8 years, 48% female). Compared to controls, the no physical activity group reported worse sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index: 3.8 ± 2.7 vs 8.0 ± 4.9 points, p = 0.002) and single-task tandem gait time (13.7 ± 3.4 vs 21.2 ± 8.1 s, p = 0.0006), while the early physical activity group did not (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index: 3.8 ± 2.7 vs 5.8 ± 3.2 points, p = 0.38; single-task tandem gait: 13.7 ± 3.4 vs 19.0 ± 5.7 s, p = 0.08). Compared to controls, early/no physical activity groups reported worse dizziness (Dizziness Handicap Inventory: 2.0 ± 3.4 vs 22.9 ± 23.8 vs 27.4 ± 19.2 points, p < 0.0001). There were no significant between-group differences for dual-task tandem gait (24.1 ± 8.0 vs 24.8 ± 6.2 vs 26.6 ± 7.3 s, p = 0.57).

CONCLUSIONS

The no physical activity group reported worse sleep quality and slower single-task tandem gait than controls, while both groups reported similar sleep quality and tandem gait. Early physical activity may promote sleep quality and postural stability, or early physical activity may be a function of improved sleep and postural stability after concussion.

Functional Outcomes, Injury Variables, and Athlete Characteristics Associated with Post-Concussion Sleep Disturbance

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationship between sleep disturbance and functional outcomes following a concussion. Also, to explore athlete and injury-related variables that may be related to risk factors for poor sleep following concussion.

METHOD

124 collegiate athletes completed a neuropsychological evaluation within 14 days of sustaining a sport-related concussion (SRC). Athletes were categorized as sleep disturbed (n = 52) or not sleep disturbed (n = 72). Outcome variables included symptom reports, cognitive performance (mean performance and variability), and mood (depression). Injury characteristics and athlete characteristics explored were loss of consciousness (LOC) associated with the injury, whether the athlete was immediately removed from play, and history of prior concussions.

RESULTS

Sleep disturbed athletes reported more symptoms, F(4, 119) = 7.82, p < 0.001, ƞ2 = 0.21, were more likely to be symptomatic at the time of testing, χ2(1, N = 124) = 19.79, p < 0.001, φ = 0.40, and were marginally more likely to experience clinically significant depression, χ2(1, N = 120) = 3.03, p = 0.08, φ = 0.16, than not sleep disturbed athletes. There were no cognitive differences between the groups, p > 0.05. A greater proportion of sleep disturbed athletes experienced LOC (30%) compared to not sleep disturbed athletes (13%), χ2(1, N = 118) = 4.99, p = 0.03, φ = -0.21.

CONCLUSION

Sleep disturbances following SRC are associated with a broad range of self-reported symptoms. LOC may be associated with an increased risk of developing sleep disturbances; alternatively, sleep disturbances may increase the risk of LOC following concussion.

The Utility of Melatonin for the Treatment of Sleep Disturbance After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the utility of melatonin supplementation as a treatment option for individuals with sleep disturbance after traumatic brain injury (TBI).

DATA SOURCES

A systematic search was conducted in 6 electronic databases (Medline, AMED, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus) from earliest records to April 2022.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies were eligible for inclusion if they met the following criteria: a) human participants with sleep disturbance after TBI, b) melatonin or melatonergic agent used as an intervention to treat sleep disturbance, and c) outcomes of melatonin administration reported. All TBI severity types (mild, moderate, and severe) were eligible. The initial search retrieved a total of 595 articles, with 9 studies meeting the eligibility criteria.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers independently extracted data from eligible studies and assessed methodological quality. Extracted data consisted of participant and injury characteristics, melatonin interventional properties, and sleep outcome. Methodological quality was assessed via the Downs and Black checklist.

DATA SYNTHESIS

A total of 251 participants with TBI-induced sleep disturbance (mean age range: 14.0-42.5 years) were included. Melatonin, Circadin (prolonged-release melatonin), or Ramelteon (melatonin receptor agonist) were administered. Dosages and intervention duration ranged from 2 to 10 mg and 3 to 12 weeks, respectively. Eight out of 9 studies reported positive outcomes after melatonin treatment. Significant improvements in subjective sleep quality, objective sleep efficiency, and total sleep time were found with melatonin. Reductions in self-reported fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were also observed with melatonin treatment. No serious adverse events were reported after melatonin administration.

CONCLUSION

Melatonin has good tolerability after short-term use and the potential to be a therapeutic agent for those with sleep disturbance after TBI. Melatonin was shown to be beneficial to sleep quality, sleep duration, and sleep efficiency. Additional clinically relevant outcomes of improved mental health suggest that melatonin use may be a promising treatment option for individuals experiencing co-occurring disorders of mood and sleep disturbance post-injury.

Sleep outcomes in pediatric mild traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence and contributing factors

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to determine the prevalence of disturbed sleep in children who sustained mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

METHODS

We conducted electronic searches of three databases MEDLINE, PsychINFO and EMBASE against pre-determined inclusion/exclusion criteria. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to assess the risk of bias.

RESULTS

Forty-four articles met the inclusion criteria. The risk of bias was mainly rated as moderate to high. Meta-analysis revealed that prevalence of sleep disturbances decreased as the time since injury increased: 51%, 40% and 9% within 1 week, between 1 week and 1 month, and between 1 and 3 months, respectively, but increased to 21% after 3 months. The sleep symptom drowsiness followed a similar temporal pattern. Other sleep symptoms of hypersomnia (sleeping more than usual) and insomnia (trouble falling asleep and sleeping less than usual) remained stable over time. The prevalence of sleep disturbances in children with mTBI was higher than in the general population. Pre-injury sleep and older age at injury were related to worse sleep outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent in the acute phase post-mTBI. Given that disturbed sleep can impact daily functioning and recovery, routine screening and management of sleep disturbances in children who sustain mTBI is important.

Early psychological symptoms predict concussion recovery time in middle and high school athletes

INTRODUCTION

Lingering concussion symptoms can negatively impact a child's well-being, yet variability in recovery is poorly understood. To aid detection of those at risk for prolonged symptom duration, we explored postconcussion mood and sleep symptoms as predictors of recovery time in adolescent athletes.

METHOD

We utilized analyses designed to control for potentially confounding variables, such as concussion severity indicators and premorbid psychiatric history. Participants included 393 adolescent athletes (aged 12-18 years) evaluated in outpatient concussion clinics within 2 weeks after injury. Provider-documented date of symptom resolution was obtained via medical record review. Survival analysis for recovery time was conducted in the total sample, and separately for males and females using prior medical history (psychiatric disorder, prior concussion), injury-related factors (loss of consciousness, post-traumatic amnesia [PTA], concussion symptom severity), and psychological symptoms (General Anxiety Disorder-7 Item Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-8 Item Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) collected at initial clinic visit.

RESULTS

PTA, concussion symptoms, and sleep quality were associated with recovery in the total sample (HRs = 0.64-0.99, ps < .05). When analyzed by sex, only concussion symptoms were associated with recovery for females (with females reporting greater symptom severity than males), while for males PTA and greater depression symptoms were significant predictors of recovery (HRs = 0.54-0.98, ps < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings identified differences in symptom presentation between sexes, particularly for mood symptoms, and suggest that assessment of postconcussive symptoms is useful in helping to identify individuals at risk for longer recovery. Continued exploration of post-injury psychological difficulties in athletes is warranted for better concussion management.

The role of sleep quality on white matter integrity and concussion symptom severity in adolescents

BACKGROUND

Sleep problems are common after concussion; yet, to date, no study has evaluated the relationship between sleep, white matter integrity, and post-concussion symptoms in adolescents. Using self-reported quality of sleep measures within the first 10 days of injury, we aimed to determine if quality of sleep exerts a main effect on white matter integrity in major tracts, as measured by diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (dMRI), and further examine whether this effect can help explain the variance in post-concussion symptom severity in 12- to 17.9-year-old adolescents.

METHODS

dMRI data were collected in 57 concussed adolescents (mean age[SD] = 15.4[1.5] years; 41.2 % female) with no history of major psychiatric diagnoses. Severity of post-concussion symptoms was assessed at study entry (mean days[SD] = 3.7[2.5] days since injury). Using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), concussed adolescents were divided into two groups based on their quality of sleep in the days between injury and scan: good sleepers (PSQI global score ≤ 5; N = 33) and poor sleepers (PSQI global score > 5; N = 24). Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Dispersion Index (NODDI), specifically the Neurite Density Index (NDI), was used to quantify microstructural properties in major tracts, including 18 bilateral and one interhemispheric tract, and identify whether dMRI differences existed in good vs poor sleepers. Since the interval between concussion and neuroimaging acquisition varied among concussed adolescents, this interval was included in the analysis along with an interaction term with sleep groups. Regularized regression was used to identify if quality of sleep-related dMRI measures correlated with post-concussion symptom severity. Due to higher reported concussion symptom severity in females, interaction terms between dMRI and sex were included in the regularized regression model. Data collected in 33 sex- and age-matched non-concussed controls (mean age[SD] = 15.2[1.5]; 45.5 % female) served as healthy reference and sex and age were covariates in all analyses.

RESULTS

Relative to good sleepers, poor sleepers demonstrated widespread lower NDI (18 of the 19 tracts; FDR corrected P < 0.048). This group effect was only significant with at least seven days between concussion and neuroimaging acquisition. Post-concussion symptoms severity was negatively correlated with NDI in four of these tracts: cingulum bundle, optic radiation, striato-fronto-orbital tract, and superior longitudinal fasciculus I. The multiple linear regression model combining sex and NDI of these four tracts was able to explain 33.2 % of the variability in symptom severity (F[7,49] = 4.9, P < 0.001, Adjusted R2 = 0.332). Relative to non-concussed controls, poor sleepers demonstrated lower NDI in the cingulum bundle, optic radiation, and superior longitudinal fasciculus I (FDR corrected P < 0.040).

CONCLUSIONS

Poor quality of sleep following concussion is associated with widespread lower integrity of major white matter tracts, that in turn helped to explain post-concussion symptom severity in 12-17.9-year-old adolescents. The effect of sleep on white matter integrity following concussion was significant after one week, suggesting that acute sleep interventions may need this time to begin to take effect. Our findings may suggest an important relationship between good quality of sleep in the days following concussion and integrity of major white matter tracts. Moving forward, researchers should evaluate the effectiveness of sleep interventions on white matter integrity and clinical outcomes following concussion.

Effect of Sleep-Related Symptoms on Recovery From a Sport-Related Concussion

Background

Sleep issues are commonly reported in athletes after a sport-related concussion (SRC). Further studies are needed to evaluate screening methods for sleep disturbances and the risk of persisting symptoms after an SRC.

Purpose

To evaluate the association between the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) symptoms of trouble falling asleep, fatigue (or low energy), and drowsiness and the risk of persisting symptoms (≥28 days to recovery) in adolescent athletes.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

A total of 519 athletes aged 13 to 18 years reported any sleep-related symptoms with an SRC, scored as none (0), mild (1-2), moderate (3-4), or severe (5-6), at their initial office visit (median, 5.4 days after an SRC). Scores were correlated with the risk of persisting symptoms. A composite "sleep cluster" score (range, 0-18) was calculated by summing the SCAT5 component items for trouble falling asleep, fatigue, and drowsiness.

Results

The results indicated that, compared with athletes who reported that they did not have each symptom, (1) athletes who reported mild, moderate, or severe trouble falling asleep were 3.0, 4.6, and 6.7 times more likely to have persisting symptoms, respectively; (2) athletes reporting mild, moderate, or severe fatigue (or low energy) were 2.6, 4.8, and 7.6 times more likely to have persisting symptoms, respectively; and (3) athletes reporting mild, moderate, or severe drowsiness were 1.9, 4.6, and 6.8 times more likely to have persisting symptoms, respectively (P < .001 for all). For every 1-point increase in the sleep cluster score, there was a 1.2-fold increased risk of persisting symptoms and an additional 2.4 days of recovery required (P < .001 for both).

Conclusion

Athletes who reported mild, moderate, or severe sleep-related symptoms on the SCAT5 were at a proportionally increased risk of persisting symptoms at the initial office visit.

Pediatric Sports-Related Concussion: An Approach to Care

Sports-related concussion (SRC) is a common sports injury in children and adolescents. With the vast amount of youth sports participation, an increase in awareness of concussion and evidence that the injury can lead to consequences for school, sports and overall quality of life, it has become increasingly important to properly diagnose and manage concussion. SRC in the student athlete is a unique and complex injury, and it is important to highlight the differences in the management of child and adolescent concussion compared with adults. This review focuses on the importance of developing a multimodal systematic approach to diagnosing and managing pediatric sports-related concussion, from the sidelines through recovery.

Examining the trajectory and predictors of post-concussion sleep quality in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to 1) determine if post-concussion sleep quality of children and adolescents differed from healthy sleep estimates; 2) describe the trajectory of parameters of sleep quality; 3) determine factors that predict sleep quality outcomes; and 4) compare sleep parameter outcomes between asymptomatic and symptomatic participants at 4 weeks post-concussion.

METHODS

Nightly actigraphy estimates of sleep in 79 children and adolescents were measured throughout 4 weeks post-concussion. Total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE), wake after sleep onset (WASO), number of arousals (NOA), and average arousal length (AAL) were measured.

RESULTS

Child and adolescent participants experienced significantly poorer SE and longer WASO duration throughout 4 weeks of recovery and adolescents experienced significantly longer TST. SE significantly improved with time post-injury (p = .047). Older age was associated with longer TST (p = .003) and female sex was associated with longer WASO (p = .025) and AAL duration (p = .044). Week 4 sleep parameter outcomes were not significantly different between asymptomatic and symptomatic participants.

CONCLUSIONS

The sleep quality of youth is adversely affected by concussion, particularly in females. Sleep quality appears to improve with time but may require more than 4 weeks to return to normal.

Characterizing Sleep and Wakefulness in the Acute Phase of Concussion in the General Population: A Naturalistic Cohort from the Toronto Concussion Study

Growing literature links concussion to changes in sleep and wakefulness in humans and in rodent models. Sleep has been linked with synaptic reorganization under other conditions; however, the characterization and role of sleep after acute concussion remains poorly understood. While much research has focused on insomnia among patients with chronic or persistent concussion symptoms, there is limited understanding of sleep and acute concussion, its potential role in recovery, and associated risk factors for the development of chronic sleep disturbance. Studies to date are limited by small sample sizes of primarily athlete or military populations. Additional studies among the general population are critical to inform best practice guidelines. We examined the sleep and daytime wakefulness of 472 adults from a naturalistic general population cohort (mean age, 33.3 years, females = 60.8%) within seven days of diagnosed concussion, using a validated, condition-specific measure, the Sleep and Concussion Questionnaire. Participants identified immediate changes in sleep characterized by hypersomnia and difficulty maintaining daytime wakefulness; 35% considered these changes as moderate to severe and 79% required monitoring or follow-up. Females experienced significantly greater severity of changes in sleep compared with males. Positive correlations between severity of sleep and pain and headache were identified. Differences by sex are an important consideration for early intervention and long-term monitoring. Because sleep was compromised by pain, pain management is also an integral part of early intervention. Our findings suggest that assessment of sleep beginning in the acute stage is a critical component of concussion management in the general population.

Sleep Problems and Melatonin Prescription After Concussion Among Youth Athletes

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effect of sleep disturbances on concussion symptom recovery and to examine the effect of melatonin prescription on symptom improvement among concussed adolescents with sleep problems.

DESIGN

Longitudinal test-retest.

SETTING

Sports medicine clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients aged 8 to 18 years, diagnosed with a concussion, evaluated within 14 days after injury, and evaluated again 15 to 35 days after injury.

INDEPENDENT VARIABLES

We grouped patients based on whether they reported sleep disturbances within 14 days of injury.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Outcome measures included symptom severity, headache severity, melatonin prescription, and the change in symptom severity between visits.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty-five patients were included: 36% who reported sleep problems (44% female; age = 14.4 ± 2.0 years; evaluated 7.3 ± 3.8 and 23.2 ± 5.4 days after injury) and 64% who did not (32% female; age = 14.6 ± 2.3 years; evaluated 7.2 ± 3.4 and 23.0 ± 5.3 days after injury). Those with sleep problems reported higher symptom severity than those without across the 2 visits (22.1 ± 14.3 vs 14.6 ± 12.5; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the change in symptom severity between visits among those who received [median = 9-point improvement; interquartile range (IQR) = 1-14] and did not (median = 9, IQR = 2-18) receive a melatonin prescription (P = 0.80).

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep problems among pediatric patients within 2 weeks of concussion are associated with more severe symptoms. Melatonin prescription was not associated with faster symptom recovery.

Post-Concussion Dizziness, Sleep Quality, and Postural Instability: A Cross-Sectional Investigation

CONTEXT

Dizziness, postural instability, and poor sleep quality are all commonly reported post-concussion and individually relate to poor outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To examine sleep quality and postural stability among adolescents who did and did not report dizziness within two weeks of concussion.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Research laboratory.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS

Participants ages 12-18 years within 14 days of concussion (n=58, 15.2±1.8 years; 50% female; 7.1±3.1 days post-injury) and uninjured controls (n=73; 15.8±1.3 years; 42% female).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Participants completed pre-injury and current dizziness ratings on the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI) and current sleep quality on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Participants also completed postural stability assessments (single/dual-task tandem gait and modified Balance Error Scoring System [mBESS]).

RESULTS

We grouped concussion patients into dizzy (n=21) or not dizzy (n=37) groups based on PCSI dizziness ratings: difference between current and pre-injury dizziness rating >3=dizzy; difference <3=not dizzy. The dizzy and not dizzy groups both reported significantly worse sleep quality than the control group (PSQI score: mean=9.6±3.7 vs 7.2±3.5 vs 4.3±2.6; p<0.001) upon univariable comparison. Similarly, the dizzy group performed slowest on single and dual-task tandem gait, followed by the not dizzy group, then the control group (single-task TG: mean= 27.2±11.7 sec vs 21.2±6.3 vs 14.7±3.6; p<0.001); (dual-task TG: mean=38.4±16.2 sec vs 29.9±7.2 vs 21.6±7.5; p<0.001). Both concussion groups demonstrated significantly more errors than the control group on the mBESS (mean=9.8±5.1 vs 6.9±5.8 vs 3.8±3.5; p<0.001). After controlling for total symptom severity in the multivariable model, tandem gait, but not mBESS or sleep quality, was associated with dizziness.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with post-concussion dizziness also demonstrated impaired tandem gait performance, while poor sleep quality was associated with total symptom severity. Identifying and treating the underlying dysfunction contributing to dizziness and postural instability may guide individualized rehabilitation strategies and facilitate recovery.

The relationship between accelerometer-measured sleep and next day ecological momentary assessment symptom report during sport-related concussion recovery

OBJECTIVES

Research examining sleep and concussion symptoms following sport-related concussion (SRC) is limited by retrospective self-report rather than objective data from wearable technology and real-time symptom report. The purpose of this study is to use actigraphy and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to examine the relationship between sleep parameters and next day symptoms.

METHODS

Seventeen athletes (47.1%F) aged 12-19 (15.35+/-2.09) years (<72 hours post-SRC) wore Actigraph GT3x+ to measure nighttime sleep and completed post-concussion symptom scales (PCSS) three times via mobile EMA, resulting in a range of 91-177 observations for each outcome. Generalized linear mixed models, utilizing independent variables of sleep efficiency (SE%: ratio of awake time to sleep time) and total sleep time (TST) examined the associations between nightly sleep and symptoms next-day and throughout recovery.

RESULTS

SE% (IRR .97, 95%CI: .95, .99, P= .009) and TST (IRR .91, 95%CI: .84, .999, P = .047) were negatively associated with next day night symptoms. The negative relationship between SE% and the cognitive-migraine-fatigue (CMF) factor was significant for next day/night symptoms (P = .01), while TST was associated with symptom severity for the affective symptom factor (P = .015). Sleep was negatively associated with total symptoms and afternoon symptoms in Week 1 and total, morning, afternoon, and night symptoms in Week 2 (ps=.001-.021) of recovery.

CONCLUSION

Sleep was negatively associated with symptoms the next day, especially late in the day and among CMF and emotional symptoms. The relationship between sleep and symptom burden was strongest in the subacute stage of concussion recovery, highlighting the potential importance of sleep intervention post-injury.

Relationship between Sport-Related Concussion and Sleep Based on Self-Report and Commercial Actigraph Measurement

Sleep-wake disturbance (SWD) results from sport-related concussion (SRC) and may increase risk of protracted post-injury symptoms. However, methodological limitations in the extant literature limit our understanding of the role of SWD in SRC. This study examined the association between acute/subacute SRC and two sleep behaviors—sleep duration and efficiency—as measured by self-report and commercially available actigraphy (CA) in a sample of football players enrolled in a larger prospective longitudinal study of concussion. Fifty-seven high school and Division 3 male football players with SRC (mean [M] age = 18.00 years, standard deviation [SD] = 1.44) and 26 male teammate controls (M age = 18.54 years, SD = 2.21) were enrolled in this prospective pilot study. Sleep duration and sleep efficiency were recorded nightly for 2 weeks (starting 24–48 h post-injury in the SRC group) via CA and survey delivered via mobile application. There was no significant relationship between SRC and objectively recorded sleep measures, a null finding. However, the SRC group reported a brief (3-day) reduction in sleep efficiency after injury (M SRC = 82.18, SD = 12.24; M control = 89.2, SD = 4.25; p = 0.013; Cohen's d = 0.77), with no change in sleep duration. Self-reported and actigraph-assessed hours of sleep were weakly and insignificantly correlated in the SRC group (r = −0.21, p = 0.145), whereas they were robustly correlated in the non-injured control group (r = 0.65, p = 0.004). SWD post-SRC was not observed in objectively measured sleep duration or sleep efficiency and was modest and time-limited based on self-reported sleep efficiency. The weak correlation between self-reported and objective sleep behavior measures implies that subjective experience of SWD post-SRC may be due to factors other than actual changes in these observable sleep behaviors. Clinically, SWD in the early-subacute stages of recovery from SRC may not be adequately measurable via current CA. Subjective SWD may require alternative methods of evaluation (e.g., clinical actigraph or sleep study).

Melatonin supplementation improves psychomotor and physical performance in collegiate student-athletes following a sleep deprivation night

Several studies report sleep deprivation negatively impacts post-cognitive and physical performance, and other functions. Recent findings indicate ingestion of melatonin prior to exercise enhances tolerance to training and improves competition. We investigated the effects of melatonin supplementation on psychomotor performance and selected physical fitness measures of collegiate student-athletes following 4 h and 24 h of sleep deprivation. The study employed a repeated-measures, double-blind, randomized controlled protocol with posttest control group design with six conditions [3 sleep conditions (without sleep deprivation, 4 h sleep deprivation (4SD) and 24 h sleep deprivation (24SD)) × 2 supplementation conditions (melatonin and placebo)]. Ten trained male collegiate student-athletes (mean ± SD; age: 20 ± 2 y) attended the laboratory on six occasions with 72 h between successive visits. Placebo or 6 mg of melatonin were administered orally in capsules 30 min before the tests of: static and dynamic balance, reaction time, and anaerobic power. Also, blood lactate was measured before and 3 min after the anaerobic power exercise. During the placebo session, the results indicated that 4SD and 24SD had negative effect on the measured parameters, with higher impacts of the 24SD condition. Compared to placebo and during both 4SD and 24SD conditions, melatonin had a positive effect on static and dynamic balance, anaerobic power, blood lactic acid, and reaction time (p < .05). However, 6 mg melatonin ingestion had no significant effect on all dependent variables in collegiate student-athletes after the night without a sleep deprivation (p > .05). In conclusion, 6 mg of melatonin may be used by student-athletes to improve balance and psychomotor and physical performances after 4 h or 24 h of sleep deprivation.

The persistence of sleep disturbance and its correlates in children with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: A longitudinal study

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim was to examine whether sleep disturbances persist in children in the chronic stage of recovery from moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The secondary aim was to examine whether memory difficulties and/or other previously identified factors relate to sleep disturbances in children with moderate to severe TBI.

METHODS

This longitudinal study included 21 children with moderate to severe TBI, 8-18 years old, recruited from an urban tertiary paediatric specialised brain injury rehabilitation unit. Participants were seen 5 years and again 7 years post-injury, on average. Sleep disturbances were assessed with Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC). Correlates that were considered included indicators of TBI severity, and questionnaires assessing everyday memory, fatigue, internalizing and externalizing behaviors and pain intensity.

RESULTS

The SDSC scores of children with moderate to severe TBI indicated greater disturbances in initiating and maintaining sleep, arousal, sleep-wake transition, and excessive somnolence relative to the norms, at follow-up. The mean SDSC scores and the number of participants with subclinical to clinical sleep disturbances on the SDSC remained unchanged from baseline to follow-up. At follow-up, the SDSC initiating and maintaining sleep, and excessive somnolence scales were associated with poorer everyday memory and greater fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with moderate to severe TBI experience ongoing sleep disturbances for years post-injury. Greater sleep disturbances are associated with worse functional outcomes. Further research into sleep disturbances and development of treatments is important, as it could improve the outcomes of children with TBI.

Mood, Psychological, and Behavioral Factors of Health-Related Quality of Life Throughout Recovery From Sport Concussion

OBJECTIVE

To measure alterations in mood, psychological, and behavioral factors in collegiate athletes throughout recovery from sport concussion (SC) compared with matched controls.

SETTING

University research laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty (55% female) division I collegiate athletes with SC (19.3 ± 1.08 years old, 1.77 ± 0.11 m, 79.6 ± 23.37 kg) and 20 (55% female) uninjured matched controls (20.8 ± 2.17 years old, 1.77 ± 0.10 m, 81.9 ± 23.45 kg).

DESIGN

Longitudinal case control.

MAIN MEASURES

Self-reported concussion-related symptoms, anxiety, resilience, stigma, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and appetite were assessed at 3 time points in the SC group: T1 (≤72 hours of SC), T2 (7 days after T1), and TF (after symptom resolution). Control participants were evaluated at similar intervals. Group and group-by-sex differences were assessed using repeated-measures analyses of variance. Post hoc analyses were performed with Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) and paired-sample t tests.

RESULTS

The SC group had greater sleep disturbance than controls at T1 (P = .001; d = 1.21) and endorsed greater stigma at all time points (P ≤ .03; d ≥ 0.80). Stigma (F(2) = 3.68; P = 0.03; η2p = 0.12), sleep disturbance (F(2) = 5.27; P = .008; η2p = 0.15), and fatigue (F(2) = 3.46; P = .04; η2p = 0.11) improved throughout recovery in those with SC only. No differences were observed between males and females (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Sleep disturbance and stigma were negatively affected by SC, highlighting potential areas for clinical interventions to maximize recovery in males and females.

The Molecular Pathophysiology of Concussion

After a concussion, a series of complex, overlapping, and disruptive events occur within the brain, leading to symptoms and behavioral dysfunction. These events include ionic shifts, damaged neuronal architecture, higher concentrations of inflammatory chemicals, increased excitatory neurotransmitter release, and cerebral blood flow disruptions, leading to a neuronal crisis. This review summarizes the translational aspects of the pathophysiologic cascade of postconcussion events, focusing on the role of excitatory neurotransmitters and ionic fluxes, and their role in neuronal disruption. We review the relationship between physiologic disruption and behavioral alterations, and proposed treatments aimed to restore the balance of disrupted processes.

Efficacy of Melatonin for Sleep Disturbance in Children with Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Sleep disturbances are commonly reported in children with persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Melatonin treatment is often recommended, yet supporting evidence is scarce. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of treatment with melatonin for sleep disturbance in youth with PPCS following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). This article is a secondary analysis of a clinical trial of melatonin compared with placebo to treat PPCS. Youth (8-18 years of age) with PPCS and significant sleep-related problems (SRPs) at 4-6 weeks post-injury were eligible. Exclusion criteria: significant medical/psychiatric history; previous concussion/mTBI within 3 months. Treatment groups were: placebo, melatonin 3 mg, or melatonin 10 mg. Primary outcome was change in SRPs measured using the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI) after 2 weeks of treatment. Secondary outcomes included change in actigraphy sleep efficiency, duration, onset latency, and wake-after-sleep-onset. Behavior was measured using Behaviour Assessment for Children (2nd edition). Seventy-two participants (mean age 14.0, standard deviation [SD] = 2.6) years; 60% female) with PPCS and significant sleep disturbance were included in the secondary analysis: placebo (n = 22); melatonin 3 mg (n = 25); melatonin 10 mg (n = 25). Sixty-four participants had actigraphy data. SRPs decreased across all groups over time with a significant effect of melatonin 3 mg (3.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.1, 5.4) compared with placebo (7.4; 95% CI: 4.2, 10.6) and melatonin 10 mg (6.4; 95% CI: 3.6, 9.2). Sleep duration increased in the melatonin 3 mg (43 min; 95% CI: 6, 93) and melatonin 10 mg groups (55 min; 95% CI: 5, 104) compared with placebo. A per protocol analysis demonstrated improved sleep efficiency in the melatonin 10 mg group (p = 0.029). No serious adverse events were reported. Depressive symptoms significantly decreased with melatonin 3 mg (-4.7; 95% CI: -9.2, -.2) but not with melatonin 10 mg (-1.4, 95% CI: -5.9, 3.2) treatment compared with placebo. Changes in cognition or behavior were otherwise not significantly different between treatment groups. Short-term melatonin is a well-tolerated treatment for sleep disturbance in youth with PPCS following mTBI. In this context, it may also be associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms.

Effects of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on Sleep Quality in Student Athletes After Concussion: A Pilot Study

CONTEXT

Impaired sleep quality is among many symptoms observed in patients with a concussion and may predispose a patient to a prolonged recovery course and a later return to their daily activities. Studies have suggested that osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) may play a role in improving sleep quality.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate how OMT may play a role in the management and overall healing process in patients with a concussion by improving sleep quality.

METHODS

Data were collected from a randomized, controlled study on OMT and concussion (of which this study represents 1 arm) to investigate the effects of OMT vs concussion education counseling on sleep quality in student athletes with a concussion. Student athletes with no medical history of neurodegenerative disease who presented to the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine Academic Healthcare Center with a concussion following a sport-related injury were enrolled in the study. Participants received OMT intervention or standard counseling on how to care for a concussion during their first and second visits. Participants rated their symptoms, including sleep quality, on the validated scale Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5th Edition at 3 consecutive visits during 1 week. The mean sleep quality score within and between the OMT and education groups before each of 2 interventions and at the third visit were compared and analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

Thirty participants were enrolled in the study. Total symptom data showed a stronger, significant correlation with sleep scores than with other symptoms. Participants receiving OMT (n=16) reported overall 80% and 76% improvement in sleep quality from pre-OMT values to their second and third visits, respectively. Participants who had an educational intervention (n=14) reported a 36% and 46% improvement from pre-OMT values to their second and third visits, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The beneficial relationship trend between OMT and sleep quality in patients with a concussion was not statistically significant. Owing to the limitations of this study, further research with a larger population and sham control participants is warranted. (clinicaltrials.gov No. NCT02750566).

Concussion Symptom Treatment and Education Program: A Feasibility Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of a manualized, brief cognitive-behavioral therapy-based intervention program for children and adolescents with persistent postconcussive symptoms.

SETTING

Two outpatient pediatric concussion programs in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients aged 8 to 17 years who sustained concussions between 2 and 12 months prior to enrollment.

DESIGN

Pre-/postretrospective study.

MAIN MEASURES

SCAT-3; HBI; PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales; and RCADS.

RESULTS

Thirty children and adolescents completed the treatment program. Self- and parent-reported postconcussive symptoms, quality of life, and internalizing symptoms significantly improved with treatment. Mixed-effects models revealed a significant decline in self-reported postconcussive symptoms across treatment sessions, a = -2.07, SE = 0.25, P < .001. The largest change occurred between sessions 2 and 3, following the session focusing on concussion psychoeducation and sleep hygiene (estimated mean change between sessions 2 and 3 = -4.72, P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that a 6-session manualized cognitive behavioral intervention is feasible to initiate in an outpatient clinic 1 to 12 months following a pediatric mild traumatic brain injury. With a manualized format, clinicians at most levels of training should be able to implement this treatment manual and flexibly adapt as needed when working with children and adolescents who are experiencing delayed symptom recovery following concussion.

The North Texas Concussion Registry (ConTex)

PURPOSE

The North Texas Concussion Registry (ConTex) was established in 2015 as a multi-institutional collaboration intended to study risk factors, recovery patterns and clinical outcomes associated with concussion across the lifespan, with a particular emphasis on sport-related concussion.

PARTICIPANTS

Prospective enrolment of individuals who sustained a concussion within the past 6 months who were seen at one of four North Texas ConTex concussion clinics which employ common diagnostic criteria and assessment metrics to evaluate effects of a concussion as well as longitudinal tracking of recovery.

FINDINGS TO DATE

The ConTex database and multidisciplinary oversight team has been established, and over 1700 participants aged 5-88 years have been enrolled. A majority of concussions were sport-related (60%), with a mean age of 17.5 years and similar numbers of males and females. Three-month follow-up compliance has been excellent (86%), with a majority of subjects reporting good recovery by that time. ConTex has provided a rich data source for multiple research projects focused on concussion characteristics, risk factors and outcomes, and led to the development of a statewide youth concussion registry.

FUTURE PLANS

ConTex data are being analysed to add to the body of knowledge regarding concussion mechanisms, factors related to recovery and improving outcomes for concussion patients. ConTex will serve as a platform for future treatment studies and may serve as a model for other concussion surveillance programmes.

Relationships between Post-Concussion Sleep and Symptom Recovery: A Preliminary Study

Post-concussion sleep disturbances can be debilitating and may influence days to symptom recovery; however, evidence is minimal. The purpose of this study was to explore relationships between days to symptom recovery and aspects of sleep, as measured by actigraphy and subjective sleep questionnaires in a concussed sample. Thirty-one college students were physician-diagnosed with a concussion and asked to complete a daily sleep symptom checklist. Participants (n = 14) were excluded based on lack of compliance/early termination (22.6%), recorded <5 nights of data (12.9%), and protracted recoveries (3.2%). Final concussed sample included 17 college-aged students (varsity student-athletes, n = 5; university students, n = 12). A wrist-worn ActiGraph GT9X Link was provided during initial evaluation (within 72 h post-injury) and worn continuously until symptom recovery (follow-up evaluation; 14.3 ± 5.9 days post-injury). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) also were completed at follow-up. Pearson's correlations were conducted to determine relationships between days to symptom recovery and actigraphy sleep outcomes (sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset (WASO_norm), total sleep time, sleep efficiency (SE), and number of awakenings) across recovery stages (2-3 days post-injury, mid-point, and end). Spearman's rho correlations were used to determine relationships between subjective sleep (PSQI global), sleepiness (ESS total), and sleep cluster symptom severity and days to symptom recovery. At recovery mid-point, individuals who were awake longer throughout the night (24.1 ± 9.0%) and/or were less efficient at sleeping (73.7 ± 9.7%) took longer to recover (WASO_norm: r = 0.58, p = 0.015; SE: r = -0.51, p = 0.035). Poorer post-concussion sleep quality (based on PSQI) was correlated with longer recovery (r_s = 0.70, p = 0.001). Post-concussion sleep-wake disturbances at recovery mid-point and overall poorer sleep quality may be associated with longer symptom recovery. Our findings provide preliminary guidance on identifying those who may be at risk for longer recoveries based on poorer sleep post-injury.

Utility of Brief Psychological Measures for Prediction of Prolonged Symptom Clearance in Concussed Student Athletes

Objective

Variability in recovery time following sport-related concussion (SRC) is poorly understood. We explored the utility of brief mood, anxiety, and sleep questionnaires as postinjury predictors of SRC symptom clearance in adolescents.

Method

At initial visit 0–2 weeks postinjury, concussed athletes aged 12–18 years self-reported injury/medical factors (prior concussion, loss of consciousness, amnesia, and concussion symptom severity) and were administered psychological symptom measures. At 3 months, medical record review determined return-to-play (RTP) date. Subjects were divided into two datasets, with the first utilized for developing cutoff scores and then validated with the second dataset.

Results

A total of 64% of the 141 participants had early RTP (within 21 days postinjury), and 23% had late RTP (postinjury day 30 or later). The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD-7, M = 2.1, SD = 3.1) was the only significant predictor (p = .001), with a 1.4-fold [95% CI 1.2–1.8] increased risk for every point. No other factors in the full model discriminated recovery groups (ps &gt; .05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis derived a GAD-7 cut score ≥3 (sensitivity= 56.7%, specificity = 74.2%, AUCs = 0.63–0.79, ps &lt; .001).

Conclusions

Postconcussion anxiety symptoms may help identify individuals at increased risk for prolonged recovery.

Default mode network anatomy and function is linked to pediatric concussion recovery

Objective

To determine whether anatomical and functional brain features relate to key persistent post–concussion symptoms (PPCS) in children recovering from mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), and whether such brain indices can predict individual recovery from PPCS.

Methods

One hundred and ten children with mixed recovery following mTBI were seen at the concussion clinic at Neurology department Alberta Children’s Hospital. The primary outcome was the Post–Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI, parent proxy). Sleep disturbance scores (PCSI subdomain) and the Neurocognition Index (CNS Vital Signs) were also measured longitudinally. PPCS was assessed at 4 weeks postinjury and 8–10 weeks postinjury. Gray matter volumes were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and voxel‐based morphometry at 4 weeks postinjury. Functional connectivity was estimated at the same timepoint using resting‐state MRI. Two complementary machine learning methods were used to assess if the combination of gray matter and functional connectivity indices carried meaningful prognostic information.

Results

Higher scores on a composite index of sleep disturbance, including fatigue, were associated with converging decreases in gray matter volume and local functional connectivity in two key nodes of the default mode network: the posterior cingulate cortex and the medial prefrontal cortex. Sleep‐related disturbances also significantly correlated with reductions in functional connectivity between these brain regions. The combination of structural and functional brain indices associated to individual variations in the default mode network accurately predicted clinical outcomes at follow‐up (area under the curve = 0.86).

Interpretation

These results highlight that the function–structure profile of core default mode regions underpins sleep‐related problems following mTBI and carries meaningful prognostic information for pediatric concussion recovery.

Association Between Sleep Quality and Recovery Following Sport-Related Concussion in Pediatrics

Our objective was to determine the association between sleep quality, symptom severity, and recovery following sport-related concussion in pediatric athletes. A review of data from the North Texas Concussion Network Prospective Registry (ConTex) was performed. Participants were diagnosed with a sport-related concussion and were ≤18 years old. Participants were categorized based on their initial clinic visit Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index composite score (0-21) into good sleep quality (GS≤5) and poor sleep quality (PS>5) groups. The PS group reported higher median total symptom scores at 3-month follow-up (3.0 vs 0.0, P < .01) and took more than a median of 2 weeks longer to recover compared to the GS group (35.0 days vs 20.0 days, P < .01). Poor sleep quality was strongly associated with greater symptom severity and longer time to recovery following sport-related concussion. Early recognition of concussed athletes with poor sleep quality at initial clinic visit may help predict prolonged recovery.

Identification of Postconcussion Dual-Task Gait Abnormalities Using Normative Reference Values

The purpose of this study was to identify the rate of abnormal single-task and dual-task gait performance following concussion compared to uninjured controls using previously established normative reference values. The authors examined athletes with a concussion (n = 54; mean age = 20.3 [1.1] y, 46% female, tested 2.9 [1.5] d postinjury), and healthy controls were tested during their preseason baseline examination (n = 60; mean age = 18.9 [0.7] y, 37% female). Participants completed an instrumented single-/dual-task gait evaluation. Outcome variables included average walking speed, cadence, and step length. A significantly greater number of those with concussion walked with abnormal dual-task gait speed compared with the control group (56% vs 30%,P = .01). After adjusting for potential confounding variables (age, concussion history, symptom severity, and sleep), concussion was associated with lower dual-task gait speed (β = −0.150; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.252 to −0.047), cadence (β = −8.179; 95% CI = −14.49 to −1.871), and stride length (β = −0.109; 95% CI = −0.204 to −0.014). Although group analyses indicated that those with a concussion performed worse on single-task and dual-task gait compared with controls, a higher rate of abnormal gait was detected for the concussion group compared with the control group for dual-task gait speed only. Dual-task gait speed, therefore, may be considered as a measure to compare against normative values to detect postconcussion impairments.