Sports-Related Concussions & Subconcussive Injuries

The use of baseline and postconcussion computerized neurocognitive testing has become an increasingly common practice in the assessment and management of concussions at the college, high school, and even youth level. But, as three new studies show, obtaining baseline test results reflecting a valid assessment of an athlete's "true" baseline ability needed for comparison to postinjury performance is fraught with challenges.

The July 2013 decision by NOCSAE that modification of helmets with third-party after-market add-ons, absent retesting and recertification as configured, renders the certification void may be necessary to protect the integrity of its helmet standard, but at the cost of depriving athletes of cutting-edge concussion safety products.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) responded to the release in October 2013 by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the National Research Council (NRC) of a detailed report on “Sports-Related Concussions in Youth – Improving the Science, Changing the Culture" with a statement supporting the report’s conclusion that a "culture change is a national priority.”  

While computerized neuropsychological testing has become increasingly popular in concussion management in recent years, its use, particularly the need for baseline NP testing, remains controversial and, if anything, the trend appears to be away from recommending routine testing of all athletes, or even all athletes in contact or collision sports with a high risk of concussion.

A former athlete and father of three who suffered 10 or more concussions playing sports didn't want them to experience the long-term symptoms he struggles with every day, so he started a company in the emerging field of impact sensor system products.

Young athletes in the U.S. face a "culture of resistance" to reporting when they might have a concussion and to complying with treatment plans, which could endanger their well-being, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine and National Research Council.

Adolescent athletes with a history of multiple concussions perform just as well on brief computerized tests of neurocognitive function than those without such history, although those who a history of two or more concussions self-reported more concussion symptoms, says a new study.

Helping a student-athlete make a successful return to learning after a concussion is just as important as ensuring their safe return to sports, and requires a team approach involving parents, health care professionals, and schools, says the American Academy of Pediatrics in an important new clinical report.