What's New in Sports-Related Concussions?



In This Issue
The Latest Concussion Research
Concussion in the News
APTA.org/PTinMotion/News
September 12, 2016
 The FDA recently created a new category titled "Computerized Cognitive Assessment Aid for Concussion" and gave clearance for marketing several devices designed to help clinicians assess cognitive function immediately after a suspected brain injury or concussion. The ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) operates on a desktop or laptop computer and is designed for use on individuals aged 12 to 59.  ImPACT Pediatric is intended for children aged 5 to 11 and is run on an iPad.
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As winter sports and activities continue, those of us working at The Philadelphia Concussion Center at Magee Rehabilitation would like to bring you up-to-date on the latest concussion research and news.  Below you will find links to articles about developments in concussion-related diagnosis, prevention and testing.

The more we know about concussion, the more we can do to protect our athletes from long-term head injury. We hope you will continue to turn to The Philadelphia Concussion Center at Magee Rehabilitation to keep you informed.  Please feel free to contact us for any of your concussion needs.
The Latest Concussion Research
ImPACT
Summer 2016 
One of the major changes in concussion management in recent years has been a transition from the traditional approach of rest towards a more interactive model of behavioral regulation. This includes practicing healthy lifestyle habits such as maintaining a regular sleep-wake cycle, diet and hydration level, light levels of physical activity and monitoring stress. Practicing these habits post- concussion can reduce the risk of developing additional concussion symptoms or worsening initial symptoms, and may reduce the need for medication in many cases.
 
Philly.com
October 2, 2016
A pilot program developed by researchers at University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia utilizes a computer application, sleep monitors and movement monitors to better understand the ideal times for rest and activity after concussion. If replicated on a larger scale, this study has the potential to impact how clinicians care for their patients with concussion.
 
Reuters.com
June 20, 2016
A study published in the journal  Pediatrics found that most children are not seen by a healthcare professional after sustaining a concussion. Researchers analyzed data from three national databases tracking concussion to estimate the number of sports and recreation-related concussions in adolescents and children. Although it is difficult to determine an exact count of concussions, the researchers estimated that as many as 1.9 million children ages 18 and under get concussions each year in the United States. Reasons that children are not always seen after concussions include difficulty recognizing the symptoms of concussion and barriers to reporting concussions, among others. It is likely that this study underestimated how common concussions are among children due to underreporting, but it still highlights the high incidence of concussion in children.

Learn More
If we can be of service for post-concussion assessment, baseline testing, or educational presentations, please contact  The Philadelphia Concussion Center at Magee Rehabilitation  at 855-587-BRAIN (2724).