Pre-injury anxiety disorder may be a risk factor for poor outcomes following sportsrelated concussion. A systematic review was performed to characterize the relationship between pre-injury anxiety disorder and post-concussion symptom presentation and recovery time after sports-related concussions among children, adolescents, and young adults. A PRISMA-compliant literature search was conducted in Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Scopus for articles published up to 25 January 2024. The initial query yielded 1358 unique articles. Articles that analyzed the relationship between pre-injury anxiety disorder and post-concussion symptoms and recovery time were included. A final cohort of 11 articles was extracted, comprising a total of 8390 study participants, of whom 921 had a history of pre-injury anxiety disorder. Pre-injury anxiety disorder was associated with prolonged time to return to sports activity and an increased incidence of physical, emotional, cognitive, and sleep-related symptoms. While the results of this review suggest an association between pre-injury anxiety disorder and post-concussion symptoms and recovery time, future studies should be more stringent regarding standardized anxiety disorder definitions, longitudinal assessment of post-concussion symptoms, anxiety disorder subtypes, and anxiety treatment history.

BACKGROUND: Arachnoid cysts (AC) are associated with a risk of rupture or haemorrhage following head impact and pose a potential predisposing factor for significant complications of sport-related concussion. Despite a recognised association between ACs and intracranial haemorrhage/cyst rupture, the risk profile of participating in contact sports with AC is not well defined. We report a retrospective case series of players presenting to the Birmingham Sports Concussion Clinic between 2017 and 2023 and underwent MRI head, with a comprehensive review of the prior literature.
RESULTS: 432 athletes underwent MRI of which 11 were identified to have AC (middle fossa n = 8; posterior fossa n = 2, intraventricular n = 1). Average maximal diameter was 4.1 ± 1.2 cm. 64% had a protracted recovery (≥ 3 months). 9% experienced an AC specific complication (cyst rupture, complete neurological recovery, maximal diameter 6.5 cm, Galassi II, 4 previous concussions). 91% of patients (mean maximal diameter 3.9 ± 1.0 cm) experienced no complications despite multiple previous accumulated sports-related concussions (mean 3.3, range 1-9). Case studies from the literature are summarised (n = 63), with 98% reporting complications, none of which resulted in adverse or unfavourable neurological outcomes. Across prospective and retrospective cohort studies, 1.5% had a structural injury, and (where outcome was reported) all had a favourable outcome.
CONCLUSIONS: AC is an incidental finding in athletes, with the majority in our cohort having sustained serial concussions without AC complication. The single complication within this cohort occurred in the largest AC, and AC size is proposed as a tentative factor associated with increased risk of contact sports participation. Complications of AC appear to be a rare occurrence. This case series and review has not identified evidence to suggest that participation in sports with AC is of significant risk, though individualised assessment and discussion of the potential risks of contact sports participation should be offered.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) constitute a significant public health issue and a major source of disability and death in the United States and worldwide. TBIs are strongly associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, resulting in a host of negative health outcomes and long-term complications and placing a heavy financial burden on healthcare systems. One promising avenue for the prevention and treatment of brain injuries is the design of TBI-specific supplementation and dietary protocols centred around nutraceuticals and biochemical compounds whose mechanisms of action have been shown to interfere with, and potentially alleviate, some of the neurophysiological processes triggered by TBI. For example, evidence suggests that creatine monohydrate and omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) help decrease inflammation, reduce neural damage and maintain adequate energy supply to the brain following injury. Similarly, melatonin supplementation may improve some of the sleep disturbances often experienced post-TBI. The scope of this narrative review is to summarise the available literature on the neuroprotective effects of selected nutrients in the context of TBI-related outcomes and provide an evidence-based overview of supplementation and dietary protocols that may be considered in individuals affected by-or at high risk for-concussion and more severe head traumas. Prophylactic and/or therapeutic compounds under investigation include creatine monohydrate, omega-3 fatty acids, BCAAs, riboflavin, choline, magnesium, berry anthocyanins, Boswellia serrata, enzogenol, N-Acetylcysteine and melatonin. Results from this analysis are also placed in the context of assessing and addressing important health-related and physiological parameters in the peri-impact period such as premorbid nutrient and metabolic health status, blood glucose regulation and thermoregulation following injury, caffeine consumption and sleep behaviours. As clinical evidence in this research field is rapidly emerging, a comprehensive approach including appropriate nutritional interventions has the potential to mitigate some of the physical, neurological, and emotional damage inflicted by TBIs, promote timely and effective recovery, and inform policymakers in the development of prevention strategies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new challenges in managing neurological conditions, particularly among athletes. This paper explores the intersection of post-COVID-19 neurological syndrome (PCNS/PASC) and post-concussion syndrome (PCS), focusing on their implications in sports medicine. Our analysis covers the symptomatology, pathophysiology, and management strategies for PCNS/PASC and PPCS, with special attention paid to the unique challenges faced by athletes recovering from these conditions, including the risk of symptom exacerbation and prolonged recovery. Key findings reveal that both PCNS/PASC and PPCS present with overlapping symptoms such as cognitive difficulties, exercise intolerance, and mental health issues, but differ in specific manifestations like anosmia and ageusia, unique to COVID-19. Pathophysiological analysis reveals similarities in blood-brain barrier disruption (BBB) but differences in the extent of immune activation. Management strategies emphasize a gradual increase in physical activity, close symptom monitoring, and psychological support, with a tailored approach for athletes. Specific interventions include progressive aerobic exercises, resistance training, and cognitive rehabilitation. Furthermore, our study highlights the importance of integrating neurology, psychiatry, physical therapy, and sports medicine to develop comprehensive care strategies. Our findings underscore the dual challenge of COVID-19 and concussion in athletes, necessitating a nuanced, interdisciplinary approach to effective management. Future research should focus on the long-term neurological effects of both conditions and optimizing treatment protocols to improve patient outcomes. This comprehensive understanding is crucial for advancing the management of athletes affected by these overlapping conditions and ensuring their safe return to sports.

UNASSIGNED: Mental health disorders are common after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and likely exacerbate postconcussive symptoms and disability. Early detection could improve clinical outcomes, but the accuracy of mental health screening tools in this population has not been well established.
UNASSIGNED: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalizaed Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Primary Care PTSD (Posttramatic Stress Disorder) Screen for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) (DSM-5) (PC-PTSD-5) in adults with mTBI.
UNASSIGNED: This diagnostic study was performed as a secondary analysis of a cluster randomized clinical trial. Self-report mental health screening tools (PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PC-PTSD-5) were administered online 12 weeks after mTBI and compared against a structured psychodiagnostic interview (Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview for DSM-5 (MINI) over videoconference at the same time. Adults with mTBI (N = 537) were recruited from February 1, 2021, to October 25, 2022.
UNASSIGNED: Presence of a major depressive episode, anxiety disorders, and PTSD were determined by a blinded assessor with the MINI. Diagnostic accuracy statistics were derived for the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PC-PTSD-5. Findings were disaggregated for participants with and without persistent postconcussion symptoms (PPCS) by International and Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision criteria.
UNASSIGNED: Data were available for 499 of 537 trial participants, 278 (55.7%) of whom were female; the mean (SD) age was 38.8 (13.9) years. Each screening questionnaire had strong diagnostic accuracy in the overall sample for optimal cut points (area under the curve [AUC], ≥0.80; sensitivity, 0.55-0.94; specificity, 0.64-0.94). The AUC (difference of 0.01-0.13) and specificity (difference, 5-65 percentage points) were lower in those with PPCS present compared with PPCS absent, but the prevalence of at least 1 mental health disorder was 3 to 5 times higher in patients with PPCS present. The GAD-7 had slightly better performance than the PC-PTSD-5 for detecting PTSD (AUC, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.80-0.89] vs 0.80 [95% CI, 0.72-0.87]). The optimal cutoff on the PHQ-9 was 5 or more symptoms experienced on more than half of days; on the GAD-7, a total score of at least 7.
UNASSIGNED: The findings of this diagnostic study suggest that the PHQ-9, GAD-7 and PC-PTSD-5 accurately screen for mental health disorders in patients with mTBI. Future research should corroborate optimal test cutoffs for this population.

Research shows that one in five children will experience a concussion by age 16. Compared to adults, children experience longer and more severe postconcussive symptoms (PCS), with severity and duration varying considerably among children and complicating management of these patients. Persistent PCS can result in increased school absenteeism, social isolation, and psychological distress. Although early PCS diagnosis and access to evidence-based interventions are strongly linked to positive health and academic outcomes, symptom severity and duration are not fully explained by acute post-injury symptoms. Prior research has focused on the role of neuroinflammation in mediating PCS and associated fatigue; however relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and PCS severity, has not examined longitudinally. To identify which children are at high risk for persistent PCS and poor health, academic, and social outcomes, research tracking PCS trajectories and describing school-based impacts across the entire first year postinjury is critically needed. This study will 1) define novel PCS trajectory typologies in a racially/ethnically diverse population of 500 children with concussion (11-17 years, near equal distribution by sex), 2) identify associations between these typologies and patterns of inflammatory biomarkers and genetic variants, 3) develop a risk stratification model to identify children at risk for persistent PCS; and 4) gain unique insights and describe PCS impact, including fatigue, on longer-term academic and social outcomes. We will be the first to use NIH\'s symptom science model and patient-reported outcomes to explore the patterns of fatigue and other physical, cognitive, psychological, emotional and academic responses to concussion in children over a full year. Our model will enable clinicians and educators to identify children most at risk for poor long-term health, social, and academic outcomes after concussion. This work is critical to meeting our long-term goal of developing personalized concussion symptom-management strategies to improve outcomes and reduce disparities in the health and quality of life of children.

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BACKGROUND: Symptoms reported by patients who sustain a concussion are non-specific. As such, clinicians are better able to manage patients when a standardized clinical exam is performed to sub-type the driver(s) of symptoms. Aerobic exercise and multimodal rehabilitation have consistently shown to be a possibly effective means to manage this population; however, the optimal training prescription is unclear. Thus, there is a need to further examine the effectiveness of personalized rehabilitative treatments. Our primary aim is to evaluate the response to personalized therapy on recovery, as measured by The Rivermead Post-concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) when compared to an active control.
METHODS: We will conduct a multi-center 12-week case-crossover randomized controlled trial. 50 participants will be recruited from out-patient University Health Network clinics and community-based clinical practices around the greater Toronto area. Participants will be randomized at baseline to Group A: a personalized care program followed by an active control or Group B: an active control followed by a personalized care program. Participants will be included should they be 21 years of age and older and have symptoms that have persisted beyond 4 weeks but less than 1 year. Participants will undergo 6-weeks of care in their respective streams. After 6-weeks, participants will undergo a re-examination. They will then crossover and undertake the alternative treatment for 6 weeks. At the end of 12 weeks, participants will undertake the endpoint examinations. The primary outcome will be the Rivermead Postconcussion Questionnaire (RPQ). The secondary outcomes will be changes in standardized clinical examination, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and an electroencephalography (EEG) via NeuroCatch™. The statistical analysis to be performed is composed of an adjusted model using an analysis of variance, specifically using an unpaired t-test to test for associations between variables and outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS: Given the recommendations from reviews on the topic of rehabilitation for adults with persistent concussion symptoms, we are undertaking a controlled trial. The documented high costs for patients seeking care for persistent symptoms necessitate the need to evaluate the effectiveness of a personalized rehabilitative program compared to the current standard of care.
BACKGROUND: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06069700.

BACKGROUND: After mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), some patients experience symptoms that persist for weeks to months. Recovery from mTBI is primarily assessed using selfreported symptom questionnaires. Blood biomarkers, including microRNA species, have shown promise to assist diagnosis of mTBI, however, little is known about how blood microRNA measures might predict symptom recovery.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the variances in plasma microRNAs on the day of injury between individuals with mTBI who report post-concussive symptoms at the 28- day mark and those who do not.
METHODS: Patients who presented to an adult, tertiary referral hospital emergency department on the day of the injury and were diagnosed with isolated mTBI (n=35) were followed up for 28 days. Venous blood samples were collected and symptom severity was assessed using the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire (RPQ) on the day of injury and at 28 days. Patients who reported ongoing symptoms of total RPQ score ≥10 or at least one symptom severity ≥2, were compared to those with lesser symptom severity or symptom resolution.
RESULTS: There were 9 (25.7%; 95%CI: 12.5-43.3) patients who reported persistent symptoms. Day of injury plasma miR-223-3p levels were significantly higher in individuals with ongoing symptoms compared to those without, however, no such differences were observed for miRs 142- 3p, 423-3p, 32-5p, 144-3p, and let-7f-5p.
CONCLUSIONS: Acute plasma miR-223-3p levels appear to detect patients who later have persistent symptoms after mTBI. The results demonstrate the potential utility for such biomarkers to assist in decisions towards early referral for therapy after mTBI.

UNASSIGNED: Early discharge from the emergency department (ED) or a 6-hour observation in the ED are two methods for management of patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) with normal brain computed tomography (CT) scan. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of the two management options.
UNASSIGNED: This study is a single-center, open-label, pilot randomized case control study conducted in the ED of Ramathibodi Hospital from June 2022 to September 2023. Eligible participants included all individuals with mTBI who had negative findings on Brain CT scans. They were randomly assigned to either the early ED discharge or 6-hour ED observation group and compared regarding the outcomes (rate of 48-hour ED revisits; occurrence of post-concussion syndrome (PCS) 1 day, 1 month, and 3 months after the initial injury; and 3-month mortality).
UNASSIGNED: 122 patients with the mean age of 74.62 ± 14.96 (range: 25-99) years were consecutively enrolled (57.37% female). No significant differences were observed between the early discharge and observation groups regarding the severity of TBI (p=0.853), age (p=0.334), gender (p=0.588), triage level (p=0.456), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (p=0.806), comorbidities (p=0.768), medication usage (p=0.548), mechanism of injury (p=0.920), indication for brain CT scan (p=0.593), time from TBI onset to ED arrival (p=0.886), and time from ED triage to brain CT scan (p=0.333). Within 48 hours after randomization, the incidence of revisits was similar between the two groups (1.57% vs. 3.23%; p = 1.000). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of PCS between the early discharge and observation groups at 1 day (33.90% vs. 35.48%, p = 0.503), at 1 month (12.07% vs. 13.11%, p = 0.542), and at 3 months (1.92% vs. 5.56%, p = 0.323) after randomization. After a three-month follow-up period, four patients in the early discharge group, had expired (none of the deaths were associated with TBI).
UNASSIGNED: It seems that, in mTBI patients with normal initial brain CT scan and the absence of other injuries or neurological abnormalities, early discharge from the ED without requiring observation could be considered safe.