Clinical assessment tools for concussion in adults

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Sports Medicine
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Concussion diagnosis and management rely on clinical assessment tools.
• Blood-based biomarkers (GFAP, UCH-L1, tau, neurofilament light, S100B) show promise for concussion diagnosis but lack standalone accuracy.
• Cognitive assessment is crucial for concussion identification and monitoring residual symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current clinical assessment tools for concussion identification and symptom characterization.
• To discuss the role and limitations of blood-based biomarkers in concussion diagnostics.
• To highlight the importance of multimodal evaluation in concussion management.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing clinical assessment protocols for concussion.
• Discussion of validated sideline and specialized tools for concussion evaluation.
• Exploration of blood-based biomarker research in concussion.

Main Results:

• Clinical assessment tools, including SCAT6 and MACE, are central to concussion diagnosis and management.
• Blood biomarkers are not yet accurate enough for standalone clinical use in concussion.
• Multimodal assessments incorporating cognitive, motor, and ocular measures are essential for comprehensive concussion care.

Conclusions:

• Current concussion management integrates clinical assessment tools with ongoing research into blood biomarkers.
• Multimodal evaluation strategies, including cognitive and physical assessments, are vital for accurate concussion diagnosis and recovery monitoring.
• Further research is needed to validate blood biomarkers for widespread clinical application in concussion.