What's New in Sports-Related Concussions?



In This Issue
The Latest Concussion Research
Helpful Resources
Concussions in the News
The Philadelphia Inquirer

December 7, 2014

 

According to an article published in the Philadelphia Inquirer, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that a blood protein called SNTF "surged and stayed elevated in professional hockey players with persistent concussion symptoms, but not in players who recovered within a few days."  

 

 

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As winter sports are in full swing, 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 Locations and Concussion Outcomes in High School Football Player-to-Player Collisions

Pediatrics

August 11, 2014

 

A study used data from the online National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance System to evaluate the circumstances surrounding concussions due to player-to-player impact in football. Among high school football players who sustained concussions that resulted from player-to-player contact, the majority were caused by impacts to the front or side of the head. Results showed that impact location did not affect the length of time to return to play, the number of symptoms reported, or the length of time for symptoms to resolve.  However, more high school football players experienced loss of consciousness from concussions due to top-of-the-head impacts than from impacts to other areas.  Recommended strategies for reducing the proportion of top-of-the-head impacts include improved education regarding tackling with proper "head-up" technique.

 

Soccer's increasing popularity forces conversations about brain injury

The New Yorker

October 2, 2014

 

With the end of the most recent World Cup and the increasing popularity of soccer, recent headlines have highlighted chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) suffered by soccer players around the world, most likely as a result from concussions after 'heading the ball.' This article describes "The Cost of the Header" and looks at the response to new research within the soccer world.

 

Head injuries linked to more trouble for teens

CBS News

October 1, 2014

 

9,000 students in grades 7 through 12 in Canadian public schools were surveyed and screened for traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that resulted in loss of consciousness or hospitalization for at least one night. Researchers found that teenagers who experienced TBI were much more likely to engage in risky behaviors than teens without brain injuries.   Brain injuries, including concussion should be taken very seriously. The lead author of the study recommends that parents consult with a head injury clinic if their child has suffered a traumatic brain injury.

 

Concussion Study Offers Hope at Penn

The Philadelphia Inquirer

December 7, 2014

 

According to an article published in the Philadelphia Inquirer, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that a blood protein called SNTF "surged and stayed elevated in professional hockey players with persistent concussion symptoms, but not in players who recovered within a few days."  While current diagnostic tests for concussion are indirect and imprecise, this new test has potential to provide more reliable results that could guide prognosis and return-to-play decisions. While this study needs to be replicated on a larger scale to confirm findings, an early prognostic marker like SNTF could help guide the development of new drug treatments and rehabilitative strategies. 

 

 

Helpful Resources

Concussion Toolkit

American Academy of Neurology

 

Whether you are a parent, coach, or medical professional, the American Academy of Neurology has put together a "toolkit" with free resources on concussion prevention and management. 

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).