How Hard is Too Hard? Examining the Forces Behind Concussive Impacts.
Introduction to Concussions A concussion (or mild traumatic brain injury) is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain experiences sudden movement or impact. This can…
Every suspected traumatic brain injury warrants a thorough neurological examination. As you conduct your exam, it is important to remember that a brain injury may include structural or functional compromise…
Concussions, a type of traumatic brain injury often caused by a blow to the head or body, can have serious implications for an individual’s cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being. The…
The PCSS: When is it Concussion/PCS? Who's at Risk for Delayed Recovery?
Understanding the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale In at least one way, the Pittsburgh Steelers were a step ahead of the rest of the NFL in the 90s as they began using…
In Episode 18 of Ask Concussion Doc, we discussed variables that contribute to prolonged concussion recovery, what makes people more or less susceptible to concussions, and subsequent impacts.
A study from McCrea et al. concludes that prolonged concussion recovery was associated with unconsciousness, post-traumatic amnesia, and more severe acute symptoms.[1] Some of these predictors could indicate that a concussion could be more severe, potentially resulting in longer recovery.
During the episode, Dr. Marshall explains that the most predictive variable for concussion severity and length of time to recovery is symptom score on the initial assessment. Simply, a higher symptom severity score after injury may mean that it could take longer to fully recover.
Unfortunately, we don’t entirely know why some people are more susceptible to concussion injuries.
That said, we do know that if someone is recovering from a concussion, they could get a second concussion with potentially less force. Also, this secondary injury could have an additive effect, resulting in more and more time to full recovery with each subsequent concussion that happens within the recovery time period.
Therefore, full recovery prior to returning to activity is critical. Dr. Marshall discusses the pathophysiology of concussion and some of the leading theories around why some people may be more susceptible to concussions in detail during this episode.
It’s for these reasons why proper concussion recognition, reporting and management is key.
Check out the links below for the full episode, including discussion about subsequent impacts. Enjoy!
Complete Concussions specializes in collaborative, evidence-based concussion care. Our evidence-based training programs and integrated healthcare technologies empower multidisciplinary teams to implement standardized care for those impacted by concussions.
Our network and patient database enables large-scale research to advance concussion management, and ultimately, the long-term health and well-being of concussion patients and also teach them some concussion care at home.
We analyze leading research to develop best-in-class approaches to concussion care.