In this episode of Ask Concussion Doc with Dr. Cameron Marshall (@Concussion_Doc), we provided an update from the recent National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Clinical Symposia and Athletic Training (AT) Expo 2018, discussed photosensitivity or light sensitivity, and reviewed our study of the week, which looked at assessment and management of sport-related concussion teaching trends in athletic training programs.

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Light Sensitivity & Concussion

Does the imperceivable flicker of monitors and TVs make them so difficult for the concussed? This is one theory. Some believe that the refresh rate of screens (60 hertz or 60 times per seconds) causes a lot of stimulation in various areas of the brain. This can cause increased cognitive fatigue, migraines, photosensitivity, light sensitivity and other symptoms.

Some options to alleviate these problems includes new, epaper screen technology (e.g., Iris Technologies), lowering screen brightness, and frequent breaks from screen time, among others.

For patients suffering from photosensitivity and light sensitivity, a thorough assessment from a trained healthcare practitioner can help get you on the right path to recovery.

Athletic Training & Concussion

Complete Concussion Management recently attended the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Conference in New Orleans. While there are a significant number of preseason and post-injury baseline tests and new technologies to administer these types of tests, we found that a full, comprehensive program was lacking.

It’s important to understand that any one test, used in isolation, has been shown to be insufficient, as of this post. This is why CCMI utilizes a multimodal baseline testing approach, including a series of physical and cognitive tests, which have been shown to have greater test, retest reliability when used in combination. Further, the purpose of baseline is primarily for its application for return to play. For more information, check out this webinar recording on multimodal concussion baseline testing and application for return to play!

Study of the Week:

Published in the Journal of Athletic Training, the study of the week concluded that athletic training teachers and educational institutions are following recommended practices of teaching a multifaceted approach to sport-related concussion assessment and management. However, “instruction is lacking on the use of a stepwise return to play progression and newer SRC management tools…” [1]

These gaps in healthcare practitioner knowledge and experience are not limited to athletic training professionals. To help address this need, CCMI offers a comprehensive online training program for licensed healthcare practitioners. Upon completion, they will deeply understand how to appropriately manage a concussion injury from diagnosis to clearance.

Viewer Question: Exercise Therapy

Dr. Marshall answers viewer questions about the role of early exercise therapy following injury. For more information on the role of exercise therapy in multidisciplinary concussion care, check out the blog post or studies below:

  • Exercise therapy and manual therapy in concussion management
  • Earlier time to aerobic exercise is associated with faster recovery following acute sport concussion by David W. Lawrence et al. (link)
  • Association Between Early Participation in Physical Activity Following Acute Concussion and Persistent Postconcussive
    Symptoms in Children and Adolescents by Grool et al. (link)

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