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Recent Epidemiological Studies Have Linked Mild Traumatic

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Recent epidemiological studies have linked mild traumatic brain injury as a risk factor for dementia. Estimated that 100 to 300 per 100,000 people seek medical attention for mTBI annually worldwide. Due to not all persons with mTBI seeking medical attention it is estimated that 600 per 100,000 have a mTBI annually.

Epidemiological evidence suggests that moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases such as: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. (Ref) The protein Tau has been linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. (Ref)

There is research supporting the use of biomarkers to detect concussion in children …show more content…

Following a concussion, axons appear to be most susceptible to damage.

Gill et. al., reports that higher levels of plasma tau measured within 6 hours of concussion significantly relates to prolonged return to competition. (Ref) The study also showed higher plasma tau concentrations at 24 and 72 hours post-concussion in athletes with prolonged return to competition (greater than 10 days).

The diagnosis and management of concussion is challenging due to often times the physical and cognitive examinations being normal and additional tests are also commonly normal. Assessing cognitive function by asking questions of orientation have inadequate sensitivity to detect mild TBI after head injury.

There are a number of diagnostic tools that have been developed to aid in concussion recognition. The Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC) is a tool used for the sideline evaluation of athletes who suffer a head injury. The SAC measures orientation, immediate memory, concentration, delayed recall, neurologic screening, and exertional maneuvers. SAC also includes a graded checklist, a brief neurologic examination, and records the presence of post-traumatic and retrograde amnesia. The validity of SAC in the absence of baseline score is uncertain.

The Post-Concussion Symptom Scale and Graded Symptom Checklist uses a seven-point scale including symptoms associated with concussion. These symptoms include headache, dizziness, irritability, and difficulty

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