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Concussion
Assessment, Management
and Rehabilitation
BLESSEN C. EAPEN, MD
Chief
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Los Angeles, California
United States
Associate Professor
Department of Medicine
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Los Angeles, California
United States
DAVID X. CIFU, MD
Associate Dean of Innovation and System Integration
Herman J. Flax, MD Professor and Chair
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Senior TBI Specialist
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Principal Investigator
Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium - Long-term Effects of Mild Brain Injury
program (CENC-LIMBIC 2013-2024), U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs
]
Concussion ISBN: 978-0-323-65384-8
Copyright Ó 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without
permission in writing from the publisher. Details on how to seek permission, further information about the
Publisher’s permissions policies and our arrangements with organizations such as the Copyright Clearance
Center and the Copyright Licensing Agency, can be found at our website: www.elsevier.com/permissions.
This book and the individual contributions contained in it are protected under copyright by the Publisher (other
than as may be noted herein).
Notices
Practitioners and researchers must always rely on their own experience and knowledge in evaluating and
using any information, methods, compounds or experiments described herein. Because of rapid advances
in the medical sciences, in particular, independent verification of diagnoses and drug dosages should be
made. To the fullest extent of the law, no responsibility is assumed by Elsevier, authors, editors or con-
tributors for any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a matter of products liability, negligence or
otherwise, or from any use or operation of any methods, products, instructions, or ideas contained in the
material herein.
v
vi LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS
Concussions in athletics, combat, vehicular trauma, and concussions and identified a way forward on better
domestic abuse have been a “silent epidemic” for more understanding both neurodegenerative risks related to
than 40 years in the American lay press but have risen in concussion and blast and established a clinical inter-
public and scientific awareness since the onset of the vention network to develop improved management and
recent Middle East military conflicts and the specter of preventative strategies. In this spirit, this clinically
dementia related to involvement in sports in the past focused text provides a much-needed update across the
2 decades. Despite the fact that there is growing concern spectrum of concussive topics, with a clear focus on
about the acute and chronic assessment and manage- practical applications. A team of the world’s leading
ment of these mild traumatic brain injuries and the neuroscientists and brain injury practitioners have
potential association with long-term neurodegeneration, collaborated to provide cutting-edge, evidence-based
there continues to be significant misinformation about information and recommendations across the range of
what is known scientifically about concussions, how concussive injuries, from acute to chronic, and for a wide
acute injuries should be evaluated and treated, and what spectrum of concussed populations. This handbook can
steps can and should be taken to limit ongoing symp- be used by students, academics, and clinicians alike to
toms and potential linkages with dementias. With the enhance their knowledge, to provide useful assessment
establishment of the Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma and treatment approaches, and to stimulate ideas for
Consortium (CENC) in 2013 and the continuation of ongoing research. Most importantly, this comprehensive
CENC with the Long-term Effects of Mild Brain Injury text offers a standardized approach to the oftentimes
Consortium (2019e24), the Departments of Veterans confusing field of concussion that may benefit the in-
Affairs and Defense demonstrated the importance of dividuals who have sustained one or more injuries, so
better understanding the short- and long-term effects that they may be provided better information on their
and course of recovery of single and repeated short- and long-term courses of recovery.
xi
Introduction
This practical text provides the latest scientific, clinical, by Dr. Goldberg to bring the text into the 21st century
and practical information regarding the assessment, of precision medicine. In summary, this handbook
management, and prognoses for children and adults offers readers of all knowledge and experience levels
who have sustained concussions in sports, vehicular useful and evidence-influenced information that can
trauma, domestic abuse, and combat, with a particular be used to enhance one’s knowledge base and to assist
focus on the most commonly seen postconcussive in the management of an individual who has sustained
sequelae. The nation’s leading researchers and clini- a concussion. It provides an important contribution to
cians from academics, Veterans Health affairs, the mil- the healthcare literature and is a vital resource to any
itary, and the private sector have collaborated to bring clinical library.
this comprehensive handbook together. The book be-
gins with the key aspects of overall assessment after Blessen Eapen, MD
mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), including Dr. Bell’s Chief, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service
update on acute management and diagnostic criteria, VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System
Dr. Hsu and Dukarm’s information on neuropsycho-
logical assessment, and Dr. Tate’s chapter on neuroi- David X. Cifu, MD
maging. Then, the text summarizes key evaluative Associate Dean of Innovation and System Integration
approaches, management strategies, and anticipated Herman J. Flax, MD Professor and Chair
outcomes for postconcussive syndrome (Walker), psy- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
chiatric symptoms (Brenner), headache (Zasler), sleep Virginia Commonwealth University School of
disturbance (Richardson and Bajor), cognitive dysfunc- Medicine
tion (Picon, Kaplan, and Eshel), neurosensory deficits Senior TBI Specialist
(Lew, Tanaka, Hall, and Pogoda), and fatigue (Lewis). U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Important subpopulations of individuals who are at
high risk for one or more concussions are then Principal Investigator
addressed in sections on sports-related injury (Dec, Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium -
Kelly, and Gilman), pediatric mTBI (Master), military Long-term Effects of Mild Brain Injury program
and veteran populations (Shura and Eapen), and (CENC-LIMBIC 2013-2024), U.S. Departments of
women (Tapia). Lastly, a provocative chapter on Defense and Veterans Affairs
cutting-edge and next-generation research is authored
xiii
CHAPTER 1
Concussion. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-65384-8.00001-8
Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 1
2 Concussion
TABLE 1.1
Professional Organizational Definitions of TBI and mTBI/Concussion.
Mental Last
Organization Definition Status Change LOC Amnesia GCS Update
CDC1 Disruption in normal brain function, “Brief” “Brief” 2018
causes: Bump, blow, or jolt to the
head, or penetrating head injury
DoD2 Structural injury and/or physiological 0e24 h 0e30 min 0e1 day 13e15 2013
disruption of brain function from
external force with at least one of the
following: LOC, PTA, altered mental
state, neurologic deficits, intracranial
lesion
ACRM3 Physiological disruption of brain Alteration at 0e30 min <1 day 13e15 1993
function with one of the following: time of injury
LOC, PTA, altered mental status,
focal neurologic deficits
CISG4 Biomechanical forces from direct blow 2017
to the head, face, neck or body with an
impulsive force transmitted to the head
DSM-5 Impact to the head or other rapid 2013
(APA)5 displacement of the brain within the
skull with at least one of the following:
LOC, PTA, altered mental state, focal
neurologic signs, intracranial lesion on
imaging, seizure, visual field cuts
ACRM, American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine; CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; CISG, Concussion in Sport Group;
DoD, United States Department of Defense; DSM 5 (APA), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (American
Psychiatric Association); GCS, Glasgow Coma Scale; LOC, Loss of Consciousness; PTA, post-traumatic amnesia.
2010.8 Approximately 80% of these patients are seen nonfatal TBI in the age group between 15 and 44 years
and discharged from the ED within the same day, which old. History of concussion is a risk factor for another
is commonly considered an indirect indicator of mTBI.9 concussion.14 An important and emerging area of study
The CDC report did not account for US military or vet- is the role of sex and gender in risk of TBI, prevalence,
erans’ services. The Department of Defense reported incidence, symptom presentation, and recovery. It has
that between the year 2000 and the first quarter of the been demonstrated that females have a 1.5 times greater
year 2018, the total TBI incidence was 383,947, with incidence of sustaining mTBI compared to males play-
mTBI making up 82.3% of that total.10 Work-related ing the same sport.15 Gender, as a factor in social roles
and industrial injuries constitute a sizable proportion is being increasingly recognized as a necessary and un-
of civilian, nonsport concussions. The US Bureau of La- derappreciated aspect of concussion research in areas
bor Statistics reported 94,360 nonfatal head injuries for beyond sports, such as in vocational settings.16
the year 2015, across private, state, and local govern- Gender-specific issues in females with mTBI are dis-
ment settings.11 cussed later in chapter 14.
Age, gender, and prior history of concussion are
important risk factors. Between 2007 and 2013, the
highest rates of TBI-related ED visits, hospitalizations, PATHOANATOMY AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
and deaths were in individuals >75 years, 0e4 years, Understanding of the mechanisms underlying
and 15e24 years.12 Within these groups, the most com- concussion and associated symptoms is evolving
mon etiology for nonfatal TBI in children 0e14 years rapidly with new means of imaging and genetic charac-
old and adults >45 years old was falls.12,13 Motor terization. Displacement of the brain in response to
vehicle accidents were the most frequent cause for perturbation results in stretching and torsion of
CHAPTER 1 Acute Management of Concussion and Diagnostic Criteria 3
neuronal and especially axonal tissue. Immediately af- subsequent cell damage.20 High levels of intracellular
ter concussion, ionic fluxes result from this stretch calcium are transported to the axons where calcium en-
with an efflux of potassium and influx of calcium and hances the phosphorylation of the axonal neurofila-
sodium via mechanoporation of lipid membranes; see ments, leading to structural weakening of the axon
Fig. 1.1. These ionic fluxes cause further depolarization and disruption of the microtubule, interfering with
of the axonal membrane, resulting in a “spreading axonal transport of neurotransmitters.21 Disruption of
depression-like” state that may be the basis for acute neurovascular coupling may last for weeks and poten-
symptoms of loss of consciousness and confusion.17 tially longer, continuing to affect the oxidative capacity
In an effort to restore balance between the sudden of the neuron.22 Protein degradation and toxin clearing
increases in metabolic demand, there is a rapid increase require energy; it is postulated that the slowed clearance
in glutamate and glucose concentrations. Ionic pumps may impact deposition of proteins (amyloid, tau)
at the membranes become hyperactive, depleting stores which may form abnormal complexes over time with
of ATP and requiring increased mitochondrial activity. repeated injury.23
This quickly results in an exhaustion of energy availabil-
ity. However, there is an accompanying decrement in The Clinical Concussion Clock
cerebral blood flow as well, resulting in a mismatch in Effective diagnosis and management of concussion
metabolic demand and glucose availability which lasts requires serial evaluations. Management goals and
for at least a week after concussion.18 approaches change as time from injury progresses
At this point, the high levels of intracellular calcium (Fig. 1.2). Providers should aim to provide systematic
begin to cause mitochondrial failure, which further inter- and effective care for any particular point in recovery.
fere with the production of ATP necessary for membrane
pump function and other processes.19 Due to the persist- Minutes
ing metabolic shifts, the redox state of the cell is The goals within the first few minutes after a suspected
disturbed, which results in the production of free radicals concussion are to assess medical stability and to deter-
and excitatory compounds. These continued distur- mine, in a timely manner, if the individual requires esca-
bances of energy and pH balance set the stage for cellular lated medical evaluation. The initial assessment of the
and axonal vulnerability for a potential second injury.17 concussed individual can be challenging, especially in
During this metabolic crisis, gene expression is the setting of sporting events or in-theater military in-
altered and enzymatic and transporter moieties are juries where the need for expeditious evaluation, the in-
affected, diminishing cellular function. The upregula- dividual’s desire to return to activity, and uncontrolled
tion of inflammatory genes and cytokine production testing environments require a systematic and efficient
will then cause microglial activation with potential approach. First, the provider should evaluate the airway,
breathing, and circulatory functions of the patient. If any headgear. History of a high-risk mechanism, such as
of these are compromised, the provider should escalate high-speed impact, fall from significant height, or rota-
care using the appropriate Advanced Cardiac Life Sup- tional component, is sufficient to warrant further evalu-
port/Basic Life Support (ACLS/BLS) protocols. If none ation in a higher level of care.4 Loss of consciousness,
of these elements are affected, the provider should then which was once considered a requisite for diagnosis of
proceed to evaluate for more serious cervical spine concussion, is now known to occur in less than 10%
and/or brain injuries. Further cervical stabilization and of concussions and may not reflect injury severity.30
evaluation is needed for patients exhibiting midline Loss of consciousness, when present, should be docu-
tenderness, focal neurologic deficits, distracting injuries, mented as self-reported or witnessed.25 The presence
altered level of consciousness, or intoxication.24 More and duration of retrograde and post-traumatic amnesia
serious brain injury may be suspected in patients who should also be elicited, but may also need corroboration
exhibit focal neurologic deficits, prolonged or deterio- from witnesses. In the setting of suspected concussion,
rating loss of consciousness, seizures, escalating head- individuals should be immediately removed from activ-
aches, persistent emesis, agitation, or signs of skull ity in which they are at risk for subsequent injury until
fracture. Skull fracture may be suspected with hemotym- further evaluation can be completed.
panum, otorrhea, rhinorrhea, or palpable skull defor-
mity. Other signs and symptoms that may prompt Hours to days
further evaluation include an individual who appears The goals within the first few hours to days following a
dazed, “sees stars”, or exhibits labored or uncoordinated concussion are to evaluate for suspected concussion,
movements after a direct or indirect force to the identify concomitant injuries, and assess plan of care
head.4,25e27 A GCS score should be obtained initially (immediate acute medical attention, observation at
and can be repeated serially to monitor for improvement home, or outpatient evaluation). Patients may report
or deterioration. A brief orientation screen such as Mad- a spectrum of nonspecific postconcussive symptoms
docks questions for sport-related concussion or the ranging from transiently mild to prolonged disabling
orientation section of the Standardized Assessment of impairments (Table 1.2). To date, there is no pathogno-
Concussion (SAC) should be obtained.28,29 Individuals monic symptom(s) or direct measurements for concus-
who are suspected of having a concussion should imme- sion diagnosis. The American Academy of Neurology
diately be removed from activity for further evaluation (AAN) recommends utilizing assessment tools along
and to avoid immediate second impact. Serial assess- with a focused history and physical examination
ments are necessary in the early phase after injury to (H&P) to evaluate and diagnose concussion.31
monitor for progression of symptoms or signs.4,27 For sports-related concussions, the goal of the on-
Although a more thorough history may be obtained field assessment is to quickly determine if the athlete
in the hours and days following a concussion, the first- should be removed from play for a more thorough side-
response provider should note a few elements within line evaluation. Sideline evaluations are then used to
the immediate minutes after an injury. A history of the elucidate degree of suspicion of concussion which, if
inciting injury should be obtained including method moderate or high, should prompt removal from the
of injury (fall, blunt object, car accident, blast, etc.), de- remainder of the game. Any player with concussion
gree and direction of force, and presence of protective should not be returned to play within the same game.
CHAPTER 1 Acute Management of Concussion and Diagnostic Criteria 5
TABLE 1.2
Symptoms of Concussion.
SOMATIC OR PHYSICAL
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Balance difficulties
• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbance (insomnia or excessive sleepiness)
• Visual changes
• Nausea
• Photophobia
• Phonophobia
COGNITIVE
• Difficulty paying attention
• Memory deficits
• Difficulty multitasking
• Cognitive “fog”
• Disorientation/confusion
BEHAVIORAL OR AFFECTIVE
• Emotional lability
• Agitation
• Personality changes
• Anxiety
Sideline assessment tools are useful in the evaluation of determining if the duty member needs to seek further
a concussed athlete and will be discussed in greater medical attention or if they can return to duty.
detail elsewhere in this book. Notably, the Sport Goals at the initial clinical encounter, which are
Concussion Assessment Tool-5 (SCAT5), revised in likely to occur either in the ED or outpatient setting,
2017, is endorsed by a consensus statement on concus- are to obtain a thorough history, perform a systematic
sion in sport for use in individuals ages 13 years and physical examination, order additional testing as indi-
older. The evaluation takes approximately 10 minutes cated, identify symptoms requiring early intervention,
to administer and includes a symptom checklist, cogni- and educate the patient on concussion diagnosis and
tive screen, neurologic screen, and Modified Balance Er- prognosis.
ror Scoring System (mBESS) balance test. Cutoff scores
that are diagnostic of concussion have not been eluci- History. A concise but complete history of injury
dated, rather the SCAT5 and other tools should be should include mechanism of injury, presence and
used as a tool within clinical evaluation.4 Other useful duration of loss of consciousness, duration of antero-
tools include the SAC, Maddocks’s questions, sensory grade and retrograde amnesia, and symptom evolution.
organization test, and King-Devick (K-D) test.28,29 A medical history including current medical diagnosis
In the military realm, the Military Acute Concussion with medications, prior surgical interventions, family
Evaluation (MACE) test is a standardized instrument history, functional and occupational history should be
that evaluates concussion in a combat or deployed obtained. It is useful in the first clinical encounter to
setting. This screening tool was designed by the Defense identify risk factors for prolonged recovery. A history
and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) in coopera- of prior concussions as well as details on the severity,
tion with leading civilian and military brain injury ex- duration, and resolution of subsequent symptoms
perts for the purpose of evaluating a person with a may help with the evaluation and management of the
suspected concussion within the first 24e48 hours after concussion that is currently being evaluated. Comorbid
military-related injury.32 MACE is comprised of two diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or
parts: a focused history section and the neurocognitive learning disability, migraines, mental health disorder,
examination which includes the SAC to assess acute and substance abuse has been identified as predictors
cognitive effects. Utilizing the MACE assists in of protracted recovery following concussion.33e37
6 Concussion
When determining recommendations for follow-up Laboratory investigations. In the acute setting the
care, providers should consider these risk factors for role for laboratory examinations are limited. For patients
association with prolonged symptoms. with complicated mTBI, who require in-hospital
Concussion checklists may be useful in identifying monitoring, serum sodium levels should be checked
the variety, duration, and severity of postconcussive within the first 24 hours.41 There has been an
symptoms, as well as for monitoring resolution or pro- increasing interest from concussion providers for early
gression over subsequent encounters in order to create diagnostic and prognostic tools, such as serum,
an individualized treatment plan. The Rivermead salivary, and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. Currently,
Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) and there is no laboratory test that can diagnose
the Post-Concussion Symptom Checklist (PCSC) are concussion. Ongoing studies are investigating the use
two commonly used tools. The RPQ compares premor- of a number of biomarkers including, but not limited
bid and postconcussive symptoms 24 hours following to, S100b, Ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolase L1 (UCH-
the injury. The PCSC categorizes symptoms into phys- L1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), brain-derived
ical/somatic, cognitive, affective, and sleep disturbances neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tau, neurofilament light
and is measured 2 days post concussion. Self-report protein (NFL), neuron specific enolase (NSE), amyloid
checklists are potentially easy and quick measures of protein, creatinine kinase (CK), and heart-type fatty
progression and/or recovery of symptoms; however, acid binding protein (h-FABP). As of February 2018,
interpretation of these checklists requires an under- the Food and Drug Administration has approved the
standing of their limitations. Reliability and sensitivity first serum biomarkers, UCH-L1 and GFAP, to help
may be impacted by the patient’s impaired ability to predict which patients will have intracranial lesions
provide accurate responses, misunderstanding of the di- visible by CT scan. Serum levels must be drawn within
rections, variable interpretations of the rating scales, 12 hours of injury and results are typically available
response bias based on subjective interpretation of within 3e4 hours. Results from these tests can help
symptoms, and presence of overlapping symptoms clinicians decide whether to obtain cranial imaging,
and/or diagnoses such as chronic pain and/or malin- ideally leading to more efficient use of healthcare
gering.38 Screening for comorbid mood and sleep con- resources and minimizing unnecessary exposure to
ditions that may produce symptom overlap with radiation.42,43 Biomarkers to detect presence of
concussion is also valuable. Screens such as the Patient concussion, stratify patients based on prognosis, and
Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression, PTSD monitor for recovery are still in development.
Checklist (PCL-5) for post-traumatic stress disorder,
Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) for anxiety, Imaging. A total of 6%e10% of patients with mTBI
CAGE-AID for substance misuse, and STOP-BANG for demonstrate acute intracranial changes on head CT
obstructive sleep apnea may be helpful in assessing such as hemorrhage in the epidural, subdural, subarach-
patients. noid, or parenchymal spaces. These mTBIs with objec-
Computerized tools can be used to provide a tive changes on imaging are referred to as complicated
baseline assessment and track cognitive recovery. mTBIs.44,45 The New Orleans Criteria and Canadian
Some examples are the Automated Neuropsychological Head CT guidelines are tools to aid in the decision to
Assessment Metrics (ANAM), ImPACT, CogSport, and obtain cranial imaging acutely after concussion. New
Concussion Resolution Index (CRI).39 Orleans Criteria recommends obtaining head CT in pa-
tients with GCS of 15 if they are older than 60 years,
Physical examination. Concussion is a physiologic display drug or alcohol intoxication, headache, vomit-
disruption to the brain that can affect somatic, cognitive, ing, seizures, visible trauma above the clavicle, or last-
vestibular, affective, and sleep domains.40 A thorough ing anterograde amnesia.46,47 The Canadian Head CT
and systematic neurological and functional physical ex- rule limits use of CT after an mTBI to patients if any
amination should be performed to assess these multiple of the following are present: GCS less than 15 in the first
domains. Evaluating with a top-down approach allows 2 hours after injury, dangerous mechanism (i.e., motor-
one to efficiently consider the spectrum of symptoms pedestrian accident, motor vehicle accident with
that may or may not be actively present. The ejection, fall from >3 feet or >5 stairs), age greater
recommended domains to assess including neurologic, than 65 years, retrograde amnesia longer than
mental status, psychiatric, somatic, vestibular, ocular, 30 minutes prior to impact, greater than two episodes
and balance as well as respective examination of vomiting, or suspicion for open or depressed skull
maneuvers are listed in Table 1.3. fracture, including basilar skull fracture, or suspected
CHAPTER 1 Acute Management of Concussion and Diagnostic Criteria 7
resolution of symptoms at rest occurs, return to activities during the evening; limiting late and prolonged naps;
in a stepwise fashion is advised. Exercise has been shown eliminating caffeine, heavy meals, or alcohol shortly
to attenuate cognitive impairment after concussion.57 Ex- before sleeping; and avoiding bright lights from com-
ercise, specifically aerobic exercise, has been shown to puters, television, tablets, and video games before and
promote neurocognitive recovery, reduce symptoms, during bedtime.62 Evaluation for premorbid sleep is-
and improve depressive symptoms. After establishing a sues or conditions that may have been exacerbated after
symptom-free exercise capacity, testing a preliminary trial concussion, such as obstructive sleep apnea or circadian
of aerobic exercise training has been shown in postcon- dysregulation may help guide treatment. Pharmaco-
cussed athletes and nonathletes to substantially improve therapy, such as off-label use of melatonin or trazo-
recovery of symptoms and return to normal physical done, in sleep disorders following concussion may be
activities.58 The approach to return to school, work, considered in refractory cases. A more in-depth discus-
and physical activity will be discussed later in this book. sion of sleep management after mTBI can be found in
Although many symptoms are self-limited and will Chapter 7.
spontaneously resolve, select symptoms may benefit Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)
from early intervention. Post-traumatic headaches has increased in popularity throughout the years as a
(PTHs) and sleep disturbances following concussion potential primary and/or adjunctive form of treatment.
should be addressed in initial clinical encounters due These therapies warrant further investigation as most
to their potential to exacerbate comorbidities and lack well-designed and appropriately powered studies.
sequelae following injury. Some popular treatments include acupuncture; Ayur-
PTHs are the most commonly reported symptom af- veda; craniosacral therapy, meditation, and mindful-
ter concussion. PTHs are classified as secondary ness practices; neurobiofeedback; t’ai chi; and
headaches due to head injury, typically starting within yoga.63,64 Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has
7 days of injury.59 They are most commonly character- gained publicity as a potential nonpharmacologic inter-
ized based on primary headache phenotype: migraine, vention after TBI. A Cochrane review and meta-analysis
tension-type, cluster, cervicogenic, etc. PTH may occur which is the most rigorous review published regarding
in people with and without premorbid primary head- HBOT in TBI demonstrated that there was no evidence
aches. If requiring pharmacologic intervention, simple of improvement in overall long-term functional
analgesics (aspirin, acetaminophen or paracetamol, outcome or performance of activities of daily living in
and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are the those who received HBOT, and there was in fact evi-
first-line treatment. Care must be made to avoid the dence of some increased risk of significant pulmonary
production of medication overuse/rebound headaches impairment in those receiving HBOT.65
that occur when analgesics are used more than Currently, there lacks strong evidence to support the
2e3 days per week or on average 10 days per month. use of supplements for acute concussion management.
If simple analgesics are ineffective, acute or abortive However, there are animal-based studies along with
agents such as triptans or ergotamine derivatives can limited human studies showing promise of supplemen-
be used for headaches with migrainous features on an tation use in severe TBI. Clinical trials evaluating sup-
as-needed basis. These abortive agents are contraindi- plement use in concussion management have yet to
cated in people with central, coronary, or peripheral be completed.66 Animal studies following concussion
vascular disease due to their vasoconstrictive properties. show that omega-3-fatty acids (O3FAs) can help main-
Preventive therapy or prophylaxis for chronic daily tain genomic and cellular homeostasis, as well as
headaches will be addressed in Chapter 6. Recommen- decrease the extent of injury the brain sustains. Curcu-
dation of narcotic use should be avoided if possible due min, one of the phytochemicals in turmeric, also re-
to its cognitive and sedative effects, risk of rebound duces neural inflammation. Scutellaria baicalensis, a
headaches, and threat for dependency.60 herb used frequently in Chinese herbal medicine, is
Sleep disorders following concussion are associated shown to decrease brain edema, inflammatory media-
with long-term sequelae and morbidity following TBI. tors, and cell death and increase overall neurologic
Providing techniques to ensure proper sleep is necessary function. Vitamins C, D, and E have been studied
to combat potential consequences such as anxiety, more than other vitamins in severe TBI. Use of vitamins
depression, PTSD, chronic pain, functional impair- E and C together have shown to significantly decrease
ments, and diminished health-related quality of life.61 the amount of brain injury due to oxidative stress
Formulation of proper sleep hygiene is a mainstay of re- than supplementation of either alone. Vitamin D in
covery. Sleep hygiene includes following a regular combination with progesterone has shown reduced
consistent sleep schedule; avoiding heavy exercise neuronal loss and decreased oxidative damage.66
CHAPTER 1 Acute Management of Concussion and Diagnostic Criteria 9
Suspected Concussion
No
No
• Remove from play/acvity
Signs/Symptoms concussion? • Medical evaluaon from trained provider (ED,
Yes PCP):
(MACE, SCAT, SAC)
• Neurologic, Cognive, Balance Exam
• Obtain imaging per CT Rules*
No
Yes
No Concussion Educaon
• Expected recovery
Return to play per provider discreon • Posive prognosc factors
• Second impact syndrome
Graded Return to No
Symptoms?
School/Work
Yes
No • Relave Rest
• Return to ADLs
• Treatment of headache/ sleep
Graded Return to
Play/Physical Acvity
Persistent Symptoms?
Yes
Nyt oli siis Kautisten synkkä poika poissa. Siinä nyt ei ollut mitään
odottamatonta, jokaisen kohdalle se tulee aikoinaan, kun ennättää.
Eikä Kulhian tytär erikoisesti sure, tai jos sureekin, niin hän on niin
turtunut, ettei sitä huomaa. Kaipa tulee sekin aika, jolloin surun on
päästävä täysiin oikeuksiinsa.
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"Kyllä minä sen asian ilmoitin, muttei hän ollut sillä tuulella, että
olisi tullut…"
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"Hautajaisiin, luonnollisesti."
Kauppakirja
"Antakaas tänne!"
"Kyllähän me."
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Kulhian patruuna ja Kautisten neuvos jäävät kahden kesken ja
patruuna pistäytyy toisessa huoneessa.
"En siksi", jatkaa hän tovin kuluttua, "etten pitäisi hintaa hyvänä ja
sen maksamisen vakuuksia täysin riittävinä, mutta tunnesyistä.
Kulhia on jo niin kauan ollut patruunan suvulla…"
"Hm. No niin."
"Minä ajattelin kysyä, eikö kellokin ole kultaa, mutta ajattelin, että
ehkeipä se ole oikein järkiperäisesti tehty."
"Ei sentään, herra neuvos. Se ei ole teille sama kuin tämä Kulhia
minulle. Ja sitten vielä: Saarijoen tammen ohi en koskaan voi mennä
tulematta pahoinvoivaksi ja synkäksi mieleltäni. Ja se kestää
päiväkausia. Jos minä olisin jyry luonteeltani niinkuin lankomieheni,
Linnan patruuna, ja muutenkin ajattelisin asioita tylymmästi, saattaisi
hyvinkin ehkä olla toista, vaan minkäpä luonnolleen tekee. Kun
joskus iltaisin menen vähän jaloittelemaan kujalle ja sitten kuulen
pauhun Saarijoen tammen vaiheilta, tuntuu minusta aivan kuin tyttö-
vainajani ääni sekoittautuisi joukkoon. Eihän tyttäreni kylläkään ollut
äänekäs, päinvastoin liiankin vaitelias, mutta sittenkin…"
"Kyllä se on selvä."
"Tuossa pöydällä."
Kolmenlaista matkustamista
Mutta nyt he alkavat olla sitä mieltä, että Kulhian isännän olisi
paras mennä kotiinsa, ja yksi heistä menee hakemaan automobiilia.
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