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Updated: Jun 27, 2025
A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
Understanding Abnormal Examination Findings During Concussion Recovery: A Retrospective Chart Review
Nicholas S Streicher1, Michael Popovich1, Andrea Almeida1
1Department of Neurology (NSS, MP, AA, IKI, ML, JTE), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Department of Neurology (NSS), Georgetown University, Washington, DC; Department of Physical Therapy (BA), University of Michigan-Flint; and Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy (JF), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Physical examination findings in athletes after sport-related concussion (SRC) are detailed. Abnormalities were common, particularly in females and older athletes, decreasing over 4 weeks post-injury.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Physical examination findings in sport-related concussion (SRC) are not well-documented.
- Understanding these findings is crucial for athlete diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe physical examination findings in athletes within one month of SRC.
- To analyze the influence of sex, age, and time since injury on these findings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of electronic medical records for 500 athletes (aged 6-24) with SRC.
- Standardized concussion examination data including mental status, cranial nerves, vestibulo-ocular motor screen, and balance.
Main Results:
- Most common abnormal findings: single-leg stance, vestibular-ocular reflex, visual motion sensitivity, neck exam, tandem stance.
- Females showed more frequent vestibular-ocular reflex and visual motion sensitivity abnormalities.
- Abnormalities increased with age for some tests but decreased for others; overall frequency declined over 4 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive physical examination is vital for evaluating athletes with concussion.
- Specific examination components can serve as valuable injury markers.
- Further research should link physical findings to symptoms and recovery.
