Quantitative pupillometry as a potential biomarker in early concussion assessment.

Background: There are limited objective methods when it comes to identifying and diagnosing concussion. Pupil assessment is performed routinely as a standard-of-care following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Unlike the highly subjective and limited reliability of pupil assessment using penlights and flashlights, Quantitative pupillometry (QP) is an established, valid, and reliable method of pupillary assessment.

Race/ethnicity, sex, and age differences in pediatric SCAT-5 concussion symptoms.

Objective: To examine sociodemographic differences in concussion symptom reporting, among young children by race/ethnicity, sex, and age at initial presentation to guide potential interventions for children from different backgrounds.

Method: Participants were elementary-age children (ages 5 to 12 years;  = 392) who sustained a concussion within 30 days of specialty concussion clinic visit. Independent variables were self-defined race/ethnic group, participants' sex, and age.

Posttraumatic stress symptoms in recovery from concussion.

Background: Previous literature suggests that lingering concussion symptoms may be influenced by psychological factors. The relationship of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) during recovery with pre-existing/injury related factors and concussion symptomology is not fully understood. Identification of factors contributing to symptoms of posttraumatic stress may provide guidance to improve treatment following concussion.

Impact of Playing Surface on Concussion Symptoms in Young American Football Players.

Objective: It has been suggested that sport-related concussion (SRC) occurs more commonly on natural grass compared with artificial turf in contact sports. As playing surface is a potentially modifiable risk factor, this study sought to identify differences in symptoms following SRC on these 2 surfaces in a sample of young American football players.

Design: Prospective.

Recovery in children ages 5-10 years at three months post-concussion.

Some children and adolescents have persistent concussion symptoms that extend beyond the typical 3-4 week recovery window. Our understanding about what to expect when recovery is atypical, particularly in elementary-age children, is incomplete because there are very few targeted studies of this age group in the published literature. Aims were to identify lingering symptoms that present at three months post-concussion and to determine what factors are associated with prolonged recovery in an elementary-age group.

Early vs. delayed evaluation and persisting concussion symptoms during recovery in adults.

Persisting concussion symptoms may adversely affect return to work and functioning in daily activities. This study compared adults who were initially evaluated < 30 days versus those evaluated ≥ 30 days following a concussion at a specialty concussion clinic to determine if delayed initial evaluation is associated with persisting symptoms during recovery. Participants (N = 205) 18 years of age and older who sustained a concussion and presented to a North Texas Concussion Registry (ConTex) clinic were evaluated at two time points: initial clinical visit and three-month follow-up.

Resilience and recovery from sports related concussion in adolescents and young adults.

Introduction: Recovery and return to play are important milestones for athletes who sustain sport-related concussions (SRC). Several factors have been shown to influence resolution of post-concussion related symptoms (PCS), but resilience, a trait that reflects the ability to overcome adversity, is another factor that may influence recovery. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of resilience with resolution of symptoms during recovery in adolescents and young adults following SRC.

Sex differences in reporting of concussion symptoms in adults.

To examine differences in concussion symptom reporting between female and male adults considering current psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression and pre-injury factors in order to identify sex differences which may guide treatment efforts. This prospective study is part of the North Texas Concussion Registry (ConTex). Subjects (N = 132) age 19 to 78 years had sustained a concussion within 30 days of clinic visit.

Sex Differences and Reporting of SCAT-5 Concussion Symptoms in Adolescent Athletes.

Objective: To elucidate specific symptoms that may differ between adolescent female and male athletes after a sports-related concussion (SRC) and identify symptoms that may require greater clinical attention by medical and athletic staff.

Design: Prospective.

Setting: This study is part of a larger research project conducted at clinics in the North Texas Concussion Network (ConTex) Registry.

The North Texas Concussion Registry (ConTex).

Purpose: The North Texas Concussion Registry (ConTex) was established in 2015 as a multi-institutional collaboration intended to study risk factors, recovery patterns and clinical outcomes associated with concussion across the lifespan, with a particular emphasis on sport-related concussion.

Participants: Prospective enrolment of individuals who sustained a concussion within the past 6 months who were seen at one of four North Texas ConTex concussion clinics which employ common diagnostic criteria and assessment metrics to evaluate effects of a concussion as well as longitudinal tracking of recovery.

Findings To Date: The ConTex database and multidisciplinary oversight team has been established, and over 1700 participants aged 5-88 years have been enrolled.