Journal of neurotrauma
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Journal of neurotrauma · Apr 2018
Motor Function in Former Professional Football Players with History of Multiple Concussions.
The objective of this study was to assess the incidence of motor impairment in former professional Canadian Football League (ex-CFL) players with multiple concussions. We investigated motor symptoms and signs in 45 ex-CFL players with multiple concussions and 25 age- and education-matched healthy controls with no history of concussion. Neurological assessment included items from the SCAT3 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 3) and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS-Part III). ⋯ In contrast, with regard to cognitive and mood testing, players were more symptomatic: The ex-CFL players reported significantly more memory (77.8% vs. 16%, respectively, p < 0.001), executive (53.3% vs. 8%, respectively, p < 0.001), and behavioral symptoms (66.7% vs. 20%, respectively, p < 0.001). No significant differences were found when comparing ex-CFL players and controls in performance on memory and executive tests. In summary, in a group of retired CFL players who self-reported declines in memory, executive and behavioral symptoms, no motor symptoms were reported and no motor signs were detected.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Apr 2018
Neurocognitive and Fine Motor Deficits in Asymptomatic Adolescents during the Subacute Period after Concussion.
Adolescents are at high risk for sustaining concussions. There is considerable controversy regarding the sensitivity of neurocognitive tests to detect and track dysfunction in the aftermath of concussion. Two neurocognitive test batteries were compared during the subacute phase of recovery from concussion to determine sensitivity to concussion. ⋯ Performance deficits were apparent for the DANA assessment, reflecting lower throughput scores for simple reaction time and response inhibition parameters in those with concussion. Concussed adolescents also had slower Grooved Pegboard Test performance when using the nondominant hand. Both the DANA test battery and the Grooved Pegboard Test appear to have promise as tools to detect persistent cognitive and motor dysfunction in the subacute period after concussion.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Apr 2018
Observational StudyValidation of a Novel Clinical Score: The Rostock Functional and Cosmetic Cranioplasty Score.
With a rising number of cranioplasty (CP) procedures and an increasing percentage of patients with a good clinical outcome and prolonged survival after CP, looking at the functional and aesthetic outcome of these patients becomes more and more important. The aim of our study was to evaluate a novel score, combining functional and cosmetics aspects after CP, created at our institution: the Rostock Functional and Cosmetic Cranioplasty (RFCC-) Score. A total of 27 patients were enrolled, representing all indications for a secondary CP after decompressive craniectomy or extended temporal trephination with a complete separation of the temporalis muscle. ⋯ Our score is objective and independent of a disposition for a depression of the patient. It can be obtained without the need of a verbal communication, making it applicable for nearly all patients after CP. The score is time-saving, clearly arranged, and reliable, which are inevitable requirements for the comparing and evaluation of different surgical techniques and associated complications of CP.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Apr 2018
A Retrospective Study of Predictors of Return to Duty versus Medical Retirement in an Active Duty Military Population with Blast-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) has been described as the "signature injury" of the Global War on Terror. Explosive blast TBI has become a leading cause of injury as a result of the widespread use of improvised explosive devices in Iraq and Afghanistan. We present a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients with blast-related mild TBI (mTBI, N = 303) seen at the Intrepid Spirit Concussion Recovery Center at Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune. ⋯ The RBANS (p = 0.003) and multiple concussions (p = 0.03) were significant terms in the logistic model, but ADC was not (p = 0.27). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.66-0.86). These results suggest cognitive testing and TBI history might be used to identify service members who are more likely to be retired medically from active duty.