Access to athletic trainers and sex as modifiers of time to reach clinical milestones after sport-related concussion in collegiate athletes.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate whether an athlete's biological sex and exposure to a dedicated athletic trainer (AT) were related to clinical milestones after a sports-related concussion (SRC). DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: Medical charts of collegiate athletes (n = 196 [70.9% female]) diagnosed with SRC were reviewed to extract: biological sex, dedicated AT exposure for their sport (yes/no), and time (days) to reaching clinical milestones (diagnosis, symptom resolution, unrestricted return to sport [RTS]). Mann-Whitney U tests were used to determine whether time to clinical milestones differed by sex, AT exposure, or their interaction. Proportions of same-day diagnoses and times to diagnosis, symptom resolution, and unrestricted RTS were evaluated with chi-squared and spearman's rank correlations, respectively. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in times to reaching any clinical milestone by sex, AT exposure, or their interaction (ps > 0.05). Forty-three percent of participants were diagnosed on the day of their SRC. This did not differ by sex or AT exposure (ps > 0.29). Longer times to SRC diagnosis were associated with more days to symptom resolution (ρ = 0.236, p = 0.001) and unrestricted RTS (ρ = 0.223, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Athlete sex and AT exposure were not associated with times to reach any clinical milestone; however, delayed diagnosis was associated with longer times to reach clinical recovery.

Multifocal hypometabolic correlates to deficits of verbal memory in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neuropsychological research on mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) often highlights material-specific memory deficits, but a lesion-focused model may not accurately reflect the underlying networks that support episodic memory in these patients. Our study evaluated the pathophysiology behind verbal learning/memory deficits as revealed by hypometabolism quantified through 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). METHODS: This retrospective study included thirty presurgical patients with intractable unilateral MTLE who underwent interictal FDG-PET and verbal memory assessment (12 females, mean age: 38.73 years). Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography mapping was performed with voxel-based mapping of glucose utilization to a database of age-matched controls to derive regional Z-scores. Neuropsychological outcome variables included scores on learning and recall trials of two distinct verbal memory measures validated for use in epilepsy research. Pearson's correlations evaluated relationships between clinical variables and verbal memory. Linear regression was used to relate regional hypometabolism and verbal memory assessment. Post hoc analyses assessed areas of FDG-PET hypometabolism (threshold Z ≤ -1.645 below mean) where verbal memory was impaired. RESULTS: Verbal memory deficits correlated with hypometabolism in limbic structures ipsilateral to language dominance but also correlated with hypometabolism in networks involving the ipsilateral perisylvian cortex and contralateral limbic and nonlimbic structures. DISCUSSION: We conclude that traditional models of verbal memory may not adequately capture cognitive deficits in a broader sample of patients with MTLE. This study has important implications for epilepsy surgery protocols that use neuropsychological data and FDG-PET to draw conclusions about surgical risks.

Mood, Psychological, and Behavioral Factors of Health-Related Quality of Life Throughout Recovery From Sport Concussion.

OBJECTIVE: To measure alterations in mood, psychological, and behavioral factors in collegiate athletes throughout recovery from sport concussion (SC) compared with matched controls. SETTING: University research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty (55% female) division I collegiate athletes with SC (19.3 ± 1.08 years old, 1.77 ± 0.11 m, 79.6 ± 23.37 kg) and 20 (55% female) uninjured matched controls (20.8 ± 2.17 years old, 1.77 ± 0.10 m, 81.9 ± 23.45 kg). DESIGN: Longitudinal case control. MAIN MEASURES: Self-reported concussion-related symptoms, anxiety, resilience, stigma, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and appetite were assessed at 3 time points in the SC group: T1 (≤72 hours of SC), T2 (7 days after T1), and TF (after symptom resolution). Control participants were evaluated at similar intervals. Group and group-by-sex differences were assessed using repeated-measures analyses of variance. Post hoc analyses were performed with Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) and paired-sample t tests. RESULTS: The SC group had greater sleep disturbance than controls at T1 (P = .001; d = 1.21) and endorsed greater stigma at all time points (P ≤ .03; d ≥ 0.80). Stigma (F(2) = 3.68; P = 0.03; η2p = 0.12), sleep disturbance (F(2) = 5.27; P = .008; η2p = 0.15), and fatigue (F(2) = 3.46; P = .04; η2p = 0.11) improved throughout recovery in those with SC only. No differences were observed between males and females (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Sleep disturbance and stigma were negatively affected by SC, highlighting potential areas for clinical interventions to maximize recovery in males and females.

Reevaluating clinical assessment outcomes after unrestricted return to play following sport-related concussion.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine neurocognition, postural control, and symptomology at multiple timepoints following concussion. We hypothesized that collegiate athletes would perform similar to or better than their baseline in terms of each outcome at both timepoints. RESEARCH DESIGN: This was a retrospective study of 71 collegiate athletes (18.3 ± 0.89 years old; 182.2 ± 10.05 cm; 84.2 ± 20.07 kg) to observe changes in outcomes from a previously established clinical protocol. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Participants were administered ImPACT™, the Sensory Organization Test (SOT), and the revised head injury scale (HIS-r) prior to their seasons (baseline); upon reporting symptom-free following concussion (post-injury); and approximately 8-months after return-to-play to establish a new baseline. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: There were no changes in ImPACT scores or HIS-r reporting over time. ImPACT total symptom score (TSS) decreased over time (p = .002, ηp2 = 0.08). Significant main effects occurred for the SOT equilibrium score (p < .01, ηp2 = 0.34) and Vestibular sensory ratio (p < .001, ηp2 = 0.22). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest no decline in neurocognition, balance, or symptom burden approximately eight months post-injury. As clinicians continue to explore "best practices" for concussion management and potential long-term implications of these injuries it is important to monitor outcome measures longitudinally.

Direct and indirect costs associated with stereotactic radiosurgery or open surgery for medial temporal lobe epilepsy: Results from the ROSE trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a less-invasive approach to surgery for medically refractory temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with lower health care costs and costs of lost productivity over time, compared to open surgery. METHODS: We compared direct medical costs and indirect productivity costs associated with treatment with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) in the ROSE (Radiosurgery or Open Surgery for Epilepsy) trial. Health care use was abstracted from hospital bills, the study database, and diaries in which participants recorded health care use and time lost from work while seeking care. Costs of use were calculated using a Medicare costing approach used in a prior study of the costs of ATL. The power of many analyses was limited by the sample size and data skewing. RESULTS: Combined treatment and follow-up costs (in thousands of US dollars) did not differ between SRS (n = 20, mean = $76.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 50.7-115.6) and ATL (n = 18, mean = $79.0, 95% CI = 60.09-103.8). Indirect costs also did not differ. More ATL than SRS participants were free of consciousness-impairing seizures in each year of follow-up (all P < 0.05). Costs declined following ATL (P = 0.005). Costs tended to increase over the first 18 months following SRS (P = 0.17) and declined thereafter (P = 0.06). This mostly reflected hospitalizations for SRS-related adverse events in the second year of follow-up. SIGNIFICANCE: Lower initial costs of SRS for medial temporal lobe epilepsy were largely offset by hospitalization costs related to adverse events later in the course of follow-up. Future studies of less-invasive alternatives to ATL will need to assess adverse events and major costs systematically and prospectively to understand the economic implications of adopting these technologies.

Radiosurgery versus open surgery for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: The randomized, controlled ROSE trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) versus anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) for patients with pharmacoresistant unilateral mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). METHODS: This randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial recruited adults eligible for open surgery among 14 centers in the USA, UK, and India. Treatment was either SRS at 24 Gy to the 50% isodose targeting mesial structures, or standardized ATL. Outcomes were seizure remission (absence of disabling seizures between 25 and 36 months), verbal memory (VM), and quality of life (QOL) at 36-month follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 58 patients (31 in SRS, 27 in ATL) were treated. Sixteen (52%) SRS and 21 (78%) ATL patients achieved seizure remission (difference between ATL and SRS = 26%, upper 1-sided 95% confidence interval = 46%, P value at the 15% noninferiority margin = .82). Mean VM changes from baseline for 21 English-speaking, dominant-hemisphere patients did not differ between groups; consistent worsening occurred in 36% of SRS and 57% of ATL patients. QOL improved with seizure remission. Adverse events were anticipated cerebral edema and related symptoms for some SRS patients, and cerebritis, subdural hematoma, and others for ATL patients. SIGNIFICANCE: These data suggest that ATL has an advantage over SRS in terms of proportion of seizure remission, and both SRS and ATL appear to have effectiveness and reasonable safety as treatments for MTLE. SRS is an alternative to ATL for patients with contraindications for or with reluctance to undergo open surgery.

Quality of life in adults with epilepsy is associated with anticonvulsant polypharmacy independent of seizure status.

RATIONALE: Polypharmacy, sometimes necessary to control epilepsy, can result in adverse effects that may affect quality of life (QOL). Our purpose was to determine the association of polypharmacy with QOL. METHODS: Two hundred seven patients with epilepsy were surveyed on characteristics within the last 4weeks: QOL Quality of Life in Epilepsy-Patient-Weighted (QOLIE-10-P) and seizure status (seizure-free or not), demographics, epilepsy characteristics, insomnia, sleepiness, mood, sleep-wake timing, healthcare use, and employment. Those on polypharmacy (antiepileptic drug (AED)>1) were compared with controls (AED=1) with univariate comparisons and subsequent multivariate regression. RESULTS: Patients on polypharmacy had worse QOL scores (mean 33.3±6.9 versus 36.7±5.7), were less likely to be seizure-free (39 (44%) versus 82 (68%)), had more evening-weighted wakefulness, and were more likely unemployed (74% versus 49%). Polypharmacy was associated with worse QOL (odds ratio 1.068 and 95th CI 1.018-1.121) even after controlling for seizure status. Covariates offered no improvement to the model. CONCLUSION: Polypharmacy was associated with worse QOL in patients with epilepsy despite seizure control. Further investigation into specific etiology of polypharmacy's influence on QOL is warranted in order to develop paradigms for optimal treatment.

The relationship between the Neuro-Quality of Life Depression and Anxiety Measures and the Personality Assessment Inventory in persons with epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the associations between the Neuro-Quality of Life (NQOL) Depression and Anxiety measures with an objective emotional inventory (Personality Assessment Inventory; PAI), and demonstrate the clinical utility of the NQOL as screening measures for depression and anxiety in persons with epilepsy (PWE). METHODS: PWE (N=72) were concurrently administered the NQOL Depression and Anxiety measures and the PAI. Pearson product moment correlations were used to determine the relationships between the NQOL measures and the respective PAI scales (i.e., depression, anxiety). One-way ANOVAs were conducted comparing NQOL scores between patients with elevated levels of depression and anxiety (T-score≥65 on the PAI) to profiles that were within normal limits. Using sensitivity and specificity analyses, optimal cut-scores on the NQOL measures were determined. RESULTS: Participants were primarily Caucasian (89%), female (60%), and ~35 years old. The NQOL Depression measure was significantly correlated with the PAI Depression total score (r=.747; p<0.001) and its subscales (p's<0.001). Similarly, the NQOL Anxiety measure was significantly correlated with the PAI Anxiety total score (r=.750; p<0.001) and its subscales (p's<0.001). Compared to profiles that were within normal limits, individuals with elevated depressive symptoms on the PAI had significantly higher NQOL Depression scores (F(1,71)=48.2, p<0.001, d=1.6). Similarly, those who endorsed elevated anxiety on the PAI had significantly higher NQOL Anxiety scores (F(1,71)=32.2, p<0.001, d=1.5). Cut-off scores of 19 on the NQOL Depression and 24 on the NQOL Anxiety measures adequately detected depression (sensitivity=0.67; specificity=0.93; PPV=0.91; NPV=0.74) and anxiety symptoms (sensitivity=0.77; specificity=0.82; PPV=0.81; NPV=0.78) in PWE. CONCLUSIONS: The NQOL Depression and Anxiety measures evidenced strong associations with the PAI Depression and Anxiety scales and may be effective in detecting depressive and anxiety symptoms in PWE using the provided cut-scores.

Predictors of clinical recovery from concussion: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: A systematic review of factors that might be associated with, or influence, clinical recovery from sport-related concussion. Clinical recovery was defined functionally as a return to normal activities, including school and sports, following injury. DESIGN: Systematic review. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, Scopus and Web of Science. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Studies published by June of 2016 that addressed clinical recovery from concussion. RESULTS: A total of 7617 articles were identified using the search strategy, and 101 articles were included. There are major methodological differences across the studies. Many different clinical outcomes were measured, such as symptoms, cognition, balance, return to school and return to sports, although symptom outcomes were the most frequently measured. The most consistent predictor of slower recovery from concussion is the severity of a person's acute and subacute symptoms. The development of subacute problems with headaches or depression is likely a risk factor for persistent symptoms lasting greater than a month. Those with a preinjury history of mental health problems appear to be at greater risk for having persistent symptoms. Those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or learning disabilities do not appear to be at substantially greater risk. There is some evidence that the teenage years, particularly high school, might be the most vulnerable time period for having persistent symptoms-with greater risk for girls than boys. CONCLUSION: The literature on clinical recovery from sport-related concussion has grown dramatically, is mostly mixed, but some factors have emerged as being related to outcome.

Sports concussion assessment and management: future research directions.

Over the past 2 decades, major progress has been achieved toward advancing the translational science of sport-related concussion (SRC), paving the way for evidence-based guidelines for injury diagnosis, evaluation and management. Several key empirical questions on the basic and clinical science of SRC, however, remain unanswered. The aim of this summary article is to highlight gaps in the existing science of SRC and to propose a platform for the next generation of SRC research. The article is framed around addressing two key questions that have major significance to protecting the health and safety of athletes affected by SRC, including: (a) Who is at risk of slow recovery or poor outcome after SRC, and why? (b) How does one modify the risks of slow recovery and poor outcome after SRC? Another aim of this article is to stimulate thought among researchers who will carry the science of SRC into the future, including neuropsychology leaders in the field. Implications for the broader science of traumatic brain injury are also discussed.

A review of post-concussion syndrome and psychological factors associated with concussion.

OBJECTIVE: This study reviewed several topics related to post-concussion syndrome and psychological factors associated with concussion. Topics include neurobiological perspectives, psychological predictors of post-concussion syndrome including pre-morbid anxiety, anxiety sensitivity and cognitive biases and misattribution. In addition, the iatrogenic effects of excessive rest are reviewed and treatment options are discussed briefly. MAIN RESULTS: Animal models of concussion and mild traumatic brain injury suggest that a concussion can result in anxiety and fear reactions. The pathophysiology of depression following a concussion appears to be consistent with the cortico-limbic model of depression. Additionally, some individuals may be at risk for neurobiological depression and/or anxiety following a concussion. The literature also demonstrates that pre-morbid and concurrent anxiety increases the risk for prolonged concussion recovery. Cognitive biases and misattribution of symptoms contribute to lengthy recovery from concussion. In addition, medically prescribed excessive cognitive and physical rest may contribute to a protracted concussion recovery. Supervised and graduated physical activity, the introduction of anxiety reduction techniques and cognitive-behavioural therapy of cognitive biases and misattribution are effective means of shortening the length of post-concussion syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding, assessing and treating the psychological factors associated with concussion are effective means of preventing or shortening the length of post-concussion syndrome.

Baseline SCAT2 Assessment of Healthy Youth Student-Athletes: Preliminary Evidence for the Use of the Child-SCAT3 in Children Younger Than 13 Years.

OBJECTIVE: To compare baseline scores of middle and high school students on the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 2 (SCAT2) by sex and age. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Single private school athletic program. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred sixty-one middle and high school student-athletes. INTERVENTION: Preseason SCAT2 was administered to student-athletes before athletic participation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Total SCAT2 score, symptoms, symptom severity, Glasgow coma scale, modified Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), coordination, and Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC) with subsections: Orientation, Immediate Memory, Concentration, and Delayed Recall. RESULTS: No differences were found in total SCAT2 scores between sex (P = 0.463) or age (P = 0.21). Differences were found in subcomponents of the SCAT2. Twelve year olds had significantly lower concentration scores (3.3 ± 1.2) than 15 and 18 year olds (3.9 ± 1.0 and 4.2 ± 1.0, respectively). The 12 year olds also had the lowest percentage of correct responses for the SAC's concentration 5-digit (46%), 6-digit (21%), and months' backward (67%) tasks. Females presented with more symptoms (20.0 ± 2.2 vs. 20.6 ± 2.1 P = 0.007) better immediate memory (14.6 ± 0.9 vs. 14.3 ± 1.0, P = 0.022) and better BESS scores (27.2 ± 2.3 vs. 26.6 ± 2.6, P = 0.043) than their male counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Normative values for total SCAT2 and subscale scores show differences in concentration between ages, whereas symptoms, BESS, and immediate memory differed between sexes. We also found that 12 year olds have increased difficultly with the advanced concentration tasks, which lends support to the development of a separate instrument, such as the Child-SCAT3. The presence of developmental differences in the younger age groups suggests the need for annual baseline testing. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Subtle differences between age and sex have been identified in many components of the SCAT2 assessment. These differences may support the current evolution of concussion assessment tools to provide the most appropriate test. Baseline testing should be used when available, and clinicians should be aware of potential differences when using normalized values.

Neuropsychological performance labels: do patients understand?

OBJECTIVE:  Descriptive labels to communicate performance are integral in neuropsychological reports. Although the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN) reached consensus on standardizing uniform labels of performance, consumer understanding of these labels is unclear. This pilot prospective cohort study evaluated patient, family member, and medical provider understanding of neuropsychological performance labels. METHOD:  Patients (n = 62), family members (n = 31), and referral sources (n = 34) completed a 13-question survey evaluating the uniform label system and an alternative, patient-centered language system (PCL). Questions assessed label knowledge and associated percentiles and relative relationships between labels. RESULTS:  Patients had significantly higher accuracy on knowledge questions using PCL labels (54.8%) versus AACN labels (32.2%) as were families (51.6% versus 35.5%). When ranking labels, providers and patients were more accurate when using PCL labels compared to AACN labels, although no significant difference was seen in the family group. Generally, participants were more accurate in identifying highest/lowest scores using AACN labels and more accurate in identifying relatively higher and lower scores using PCL terminology. CONCLUSIONS:  Results illustrate that current and alternative score labels may not be understandable for audiences who read and base decisions on neuropsychological reports. The findings highlight the need for further consideration of patient-centered language to improve understanding of neuropsychological score labels.

Sport-Related Concussion in Para Athletes: A Scoping Review of Concussion Incidence, Assessment, and Management.

ABSTRACT: Although research on sport-related concussion has grown substantially in the last decade, research on concussion in para sports remains limited. The aim of this scoping review is to synthesize and describe the current literature on the incidence, assessment, and management of sport-related concussion in para athletes. The literature search was conducted in CINAHL, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases and identified 22 studies that addressed one of our research questions. A majority of studies addressed concussion in elite athletes; youth and collegiate para athletes were largely underrepresented. Fewer studies addressed concussion assessment and management, in part due to limitations in accessibility of current assessment tools for athletes with varying disabilities. Moving forward, there is a need to capture a larger range of incidence data, create modified assessment tools with para-specific normative data, and develop risk prevention strategies for para athletes.

Visual field defects after radiosurgery for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.

PURPOSE: Gamma knife radiosurgery (RS) may be an alternative to open surgery for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), but morbidities and the anticonvulsant mechanisms of RS are unclear. Examination of visual field defects (VFDs) after RS may provide evidence of the extent of a postoperative fixed lesion. VFDs occur in 52-100% of patients following open surgery for MTLE. METHODS: This multicenter prospective trial of RS enrolled patients with unilateral hippocampal sclerosis and concordant video-electroencephalography (EEG) findings. Patients were randomized to low (20 Gy) or high (24 Gy) doses delivered to the amygdala, hippocampal head, and parahippocampal gyrus. Postoperative perimetry were obtained at 24 months after RS. Visual field defect ratios (VFDRs) were calculated to quantify the degree of VFDs. Results were contrasted with age, RS dose and 50% isodose volume, peak volume of radiation-induced change at the surgical target, quality of life measurements, and seizure remission. KEY FINDINGS: No patients reported visual changes and no patients had abnormal bedside visual field examinations. Fifteen (62.5%) of 24 patients had postoperative VFDs, all homonymous superior quadrantanopsias. None of the VFDs were consistent with injury to the optic nerve or chiasm. Clinical diagnosis of VFDs correlated significantly with VFDRs (p = 0.0005). Patients with seizure remission had smaller (more severe) VFDRs (p = 0.04). No other variables had significant correlations. SIGNIFICANCE: VFDs appeared after RS in proportions similar to historical comparisons from open surgery for MTLE. The nature of VFDs was consistent with lesions of the optic radiations. The findings support the hypothesis that the mechanism of RS involves some degree of tissue damage and is not confined entirely to functional changes in neuromodulation.

Concussion: Beyond the Cascade.

Sport concussion affects millions of athletes each year at all levels of sport. Increasing evidence demonstrates clinical and physiological recovery are becoming more divergent definitions, as evidenced by several studies examining blood-based biomarkers of inflammation and imaging studies of the central nervous system (CNS). Recent studies have shown elevated microglial activation in the CNS in active and retired American football players, as well as in active collegiate athletes who were diagnosed with a concussion and returned to sport. These data are supportive of discordance in clinical symptomology and the inflammatory response in the CNS upon symptom resolution. In this review, we will summarize recent advances in the understanding of the inflammatory response associated with sport concussion and broader mild traumatic brain injury, as well as provide an outlook for important research questions to better align clinical and physiological recovery.

Microglial activation persists beyond clinical recovery following sport concussion in collegiate athletes.

Introduction: In concussion, clinical and physiological recovery are increasingly recognized as diverging definitions. This study investigated whether central microglial activation persisted in participants with concussion after receiving an unrestricted return-to-play (uRTP) designation using [18F]DPA-714 PET, an in vivo marker of microglia activation. Methods: Eight (5 M, 3 F) current athletes with concussion (Group 1) and 10 (5 M, 5 F) healthy collegiate students (Group 2) were enrolled. Group 1 completed a pre-injury (Visit1) screen, follow-up Visit2 within 24 h of a concussion diagnosis, and Visit3 at the time of uRTP. Healthy participants only completed assessments at Visit2 and Visit3. At Visit2, all participants completed a multidimensional battery of tests followed by a blood draw to determine genotype and study inclusion. At Visit3, participants completed a clinical battery of tests, brain MRI, and brain PET; no imaging tests were performed outside of Visit3. Results: For Group 1, significant differences were observed between Visits 1 and 2 (p < 0.05) in ImPACT, SCAT5 and SOT performance, but not between Visit1 and Visit3 for standard clinical measures (all p > 0.05), reflecting clinical recovery. Despite achieving clinical recovery, PET imaging at Visit3 revealed consistently higher [18F]DPA-714 tracer distribution volume (VT) of Group 1 compared to Group 2 in 10 brain regions (p < 0.001) analyzed from 164 regions of the whole brain, most notably within the limbic system, dorsal striatum, and medial temporal lobe. No notable differences were observed between clinical measures and VT between Group 1 and Group 2 at Visit3. Discussion: Our study is the first to demonstrate persisting microglial activation in active collegiate athletes who were diagnosed with a sport concussion and cleared for uRTP based on a clinical recovery.

Neuropsychological and Balance Symptoms of Abused Women Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence-Related Strangulation: A Feasibility and Acceptability Study.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health crisis that results in acute and long-term health consequences for women, including potential acquired brain injury from non-fatal strangulation. Despite existing evidence on the neuropsychological sequelae experienced by women after experiencing IPV-related assault, limited evidence-based treatment protocols exist for these women. This 14-month study sought to: 1) assess the feasibility and acceptability of recruiting women who experienced strangulation associated with IPV within 7 days of the event and retaining them throughout a 3-month follow-up period; and 2) examine preliminary data from neuropsychological, balance, and symptom assessments. Inclusion criteria were: reported strangulation by an intimate partner in the past 7 days, female, 18-60 years of age, English speaking, and able to consent. Neuropsychological, balance, and symptom assessments were administered at the first time point and again 3 months later. Participants also completed a standardized daily symptom inventory. Eight participants (73%) were recruited and completed daily inventories and the baseline assessment; 4 (36%) completed the baseline and 3-month assessments. Of the 4 participants who completed the 3-month assessment, none reported symptom resolution. Only balance returned to values consistent with normative values. Our results demonstrate the ability to recruit women who have experienced IPV-related strangulation during the post-acute phase of injury with less success retaining participants for a 90-day period for follow-up study. This pilot research protocol demonstrated the feasibility of recruitment from the emergency department and systematic evaluation of neuropsychological and functional symptoms in women who experienced strangulation in the context of IPV.

Neuropsychological outcomes after Gamma Knife radiosurgery for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: a prospective multicenter study.

PURPOSE: To assess outcomes of language, verbal memory, cognitive efficiency and mental flexibility, mood, and quality of life (QOL) in a prospective, multicenter pilot study of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (RS) for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). METHODS: RS, randomized to 20 Gy or 24 Gy comprising 5.5-7.5 ml at the 50% isodose volume, was performed on mesial temporal structures of patients with unilateral MTLE. Neuropsychological evaluations were performed at preoperative baseline, and mean change scores were described at 12 and 24 months postoperatively. QOL data were also available at 36 months. KEY FINDINGS: Thirty patients were treated and 26 were available for the final 24-month neuropsychological evaluation. Language (Boston Naming Test), verbal memory (California Verbal Learning Test and Logical Memory subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised), cognitive efficiency and mental flexibility (Trail Making Test), and mood (Beck Depression Inventory) did not differ from baseline. QOL scores improved at 24 and 36 months, with those patients attaining seizure remission by month 24s accounting for the majority of the improvement. SIGNIFICANCE: The serial changes in cognitive outcomes, mood, and QOL are unremarkable following RS for MTLE. RS may provide an alternative to open surgery, especially in those patients at risk of cognitive impairment or who desire a noninvasive alternative to open surgery.