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A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
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The Current Status of Concussion Assessment Scales: A Critical Analysis Review
Matthew W Kaufman1, Charles A Su2, Nikunj N Trivedi2
1Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
JBJS Reviews
|June 8, 2021
Summary
Concussion assessment involves screening and confirmatory tests. Future research aims for more objective evaluations using brain network activation and imaging for better concussion recovery assessment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sports Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Concussion is a complex brain injury caused by biomechanical forces, leading to altered mental status.
- Current assessment methods include screening tests, confirmatory tests, and objective examinations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To categorize concussion assessment tools.
- To highlight methods for evaluating concussion in pediatric athletes.
- To discuss future directions in objective concussion assessment.
Main Methods:
- Categorization of concussion assessment tools into screening, confirmatory, and objective examinations.
- Identification of specific tests within each category (e.g., SAC, BESS, KD, SCAT, ImPACT, VOMS).
- Discussion of emerging objective assessment techniques (e.g., BNA, imaging, biomarkers).
Main Results:
- Concussion assessment tools are broadly categorized into screening, confirmatory, and objective types.
- Specific tools like King-Devick (KD), child SCAT3 (cSCAT3), child ImPACT (cImPACT), and VOMS are applicable for pediatric athletes.
- Brain network activation (BNA), advanced imaging, and serum biomarkers show promise for objective concussion evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Current concussion assessment relies on a combination of subjective and objective measures.
- Pediatric athletes have specific tools available for concussion evaluation.
- Future research focusing on objective biomarkers and neuroimaging will enhance concussion assessment and recovery monitoring.
