TeachAids Advisors Produce Groundbreaking Concussion Subtypes Publication
We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to our advisors Dr. Angela Lumba-Brown and Dr. Jamshid Ghajar for their contributions in producing a groundbreaking manuscript that, for the first time, provides evidence-based guidelines for concussion classification. Their research, conducted along with top members of the neurology community, is an exciting next step in creating a universal vocabulary for diagnosis and symptom detection, and facilitating more targeted approaches for concussion rehabilitation.
The manuscript, titled Concussion Guidelines Step 2: Evidence for Subtype Classification, was published in Neurosurgery this past Wednesday. The authors reviewed and analyzed concussion data collected from 1999 to 2017, identifying five concussion subtypes and two associated conditions based on clinical presentation. Across the literature, these subtypes were typically identified within 3 days following injury.
“There are no accepted concussion diagnostic criteria and many patients are told “Not to strain your brain”, resulting in longer recovery times and exacerbating mood and headache disorders. We have a national epidemic of patients who are sitting in dark rooms and not exercising because of incorrect management. Evidence shows that early cardio exercise accelerates recovery.
Now evidence shows that the subtypes of concussion are prevalent and treatable. Frequently identified domains of impairments from concussion are now classified into non-mutually exclusive subtypes of concussion include ocular-motor, vestibular, migraine, cognitive, mood and two associated conditions, sleep and cervical neck strain. These subtypes frequently co-exist,” said Dr. Ghajar.
In addition to their contributions to medical research, Dr. Ghajar and Dr. Lumba-Brown are Director and Co-Director, respectively, of the Stanford Concussion and Brain Performance Center. The Center has had a successful history, with a recent highlight being their Stanford Sports Concussion Summit in April 2019. The summit brought together physicians, trainers, and other allied health professionals to learn about best practices in the diagnosis and management of concussion. Participants had the opportunity to attend lectures from leading neuroscientists on a broad range of topics, from Gender and Concussion to Sleep Disturbance and its Management Following Concussion. Participants were able to engage in interactive demonstration stations featuring various educational and screening materials for concussions, including our CrashCourse Virtual Education for youth.
Once again, our congratulations to Dr. Lumba-Brown, Dr. Ghajar, and the entire team behind this monumental research. It is an honor to have them among our world-class experts on the CrashCourse Advisory team; their expertise in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and neurocritical emergencies has and will continue to help TeachAids address concussion prevention in youth sports.