Association between magnetic resonance imaging use and recovery time following concussion: a CARE consortium study
Reid A Syrydiuk1, Adrian J Boltz1, Landon B Lempke1,2
1Michigan Concussion Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Abstract:
Researchers may implement magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate neurophysiological metrics (e.g. connectivity) in athletes with sports-related concussion (SRC). MRI usage has been purported to exacerbate symptoms that mimic SRC symptomatology, possibly influencing recovery. The present study examined MRI use on SRC recovery outcomes in collegiate athletes. Ninety student-athletes (45 with MRI acutely post-SRC, 45 non-MRI) from four collegiate sites were analysed. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regressions were used to measure the SRC recovery risk [return-to-play (RTP) initiation (RTP-I) and unrestricted RTP] with hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). No hazard differences for median days to RTP-I [MRI: 10, interquartile range (IQR) = 7-15; non-MRI: 7 (IQR = 4-9)] were observed (HR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.28-1.21). No hazard differences for median days to RTP [(MRI: 17 (IQR = 11-60); non-MRI: 12 (IQR = 8-24)] were observed (HR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.29-1.26). MRI use post-SRC does not affect recovery; researchers/clinicians can employ such a procedure without affecting athlete recovery.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) use after sports-related concussion (SRC) does not impact athlete recovery timelines. Collegiate athletes undergoing MRI acutely post-SRC showed no significant differences in return-to-play metrics compared to those who did not.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
Background:
- Sports-related concussion (SRC) is a common injury in athletes.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to assess neurophysiological changes post-SRC.
- Concerns exist that MRI may exacerbate SRC symptoms and affect recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of acute MRI use on recovery outcomes in collegiate athletes following SRC.
- To determine if MRI influences the time to return-to-play (RTP) initiation (RTP-I) and unrestricted RTP.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 90 collegiate athletes (45 with acute MRI, 45 without) was analyzed.
- Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regressions were employed to assess recovery risk.
- Key metrics included time to RTP-I and time to unrestricted RTP.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in median days to RTP-I were observed between the MRI and non-MRI groups (HR=0.75, 95% CI: 0.28-1.21).
- No significant differences in median days to unrestricted RTP were found between the groups (HR=0.77, 95% CI: 0.29-1.26).
Conclusions:
- Acute MRI use following SRC does not adversely affect recovery time for collegiate athletes.
- Clinicians and researchers can utilize MRI post-SRC without concern for delaying athlete recovery.
