NeuroRehabilitation
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NeuroRehabilitation · Jan 2007
The relation between post concussion symptoms and neurocognitive performance in concussed athletes.
The objective of this study was to examine differences in neurocognitive performance between symptomatic concussed athletes, a group of concussed athletes with no subjective symptoms, and a non-concussed control group of athletes. All concussed athletes were evaluated within one week of injury using the ImPACT computerized test battery. ⋯ Thus, concussed athletes who did not report subjective symptoms were not fully recovered based on neurocognitive testing. This study underscores the importance of neurocognitive testing in the assessment of concussion sequelae and recovery.
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NeuroRehabilitation · Jan 2007
Review Case ReportsUse of computer based testing of youth hockey players with concussions.
Concussion is a potentially serious injury for athletes. Recent statistics suggest that approximately 300,000 sports-related traumatic brain injuries occur annually in the United States. Soccer, rugby, football, and ice hockey are all considered high-risk team sports for concussion. ⋯ Return to play issues are one of the most difficult issues for physicians caring for concussed athletes. The advent of computerized neuropsychological testing adds another tool to assist in this process. It also appears to enhance the education process for players, coaches, and parents on the potential seriousness of concussion for these young athletes.
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NeuroRehabilitation · Jan 2007
ReviewContributions of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to sport concussion evaluation.
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in contact sport is a problem of such magnitude that improved approaches to diagnosis, investigation and management are urgent. Concussion has traditionally been described as a transient, fully reversible, cerebral dysfunction. However, this seemingly 'mild' injury sometimes results in long-lasting and disabling post-concussion symptoms (PCS) and abnormal neuropsychological profiles characteristic of frontal and/or temporal lobe dysfunction. ⋯ Therefore, functional imaging techniques can help in demonstrating brain abnormalities undetectable by structural imaging methods. This paper will review the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in studies of concussion. Our existing and ongoing fMRI studies will be described as examples to highlight the potential and contribution of this non-invasive functional neuroimaging technique in the assessment of sports-related concussion and its management.
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NeuroRehabilitation · Jan 2007
ReviewA review of the complications of intrathecal baclofen in patients with cerebral palsy.
Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) has become a standard treatment for spasticity in patients with cerebral palsy (CP) over the last ten years. This review summarizes and assesses the evidence for the safety of ITB in patients with CP. The literature was searched using electronic databases and reference lists from March 2000 through April 2007. ⋯ Children appear to be at higher risk for complications than adults. However, until we have consistent, reliable reports of complications, it will not be possible to perform specific risk/benefit analyses. Recommendations for improving investigation in this important area are discussed.
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NeuroRehabilitation · Jan 2007
ReviewEvaluation and management of respiratory muscle dysfunction in ALS.
Neuromuscular respiratory failure is the cause of death in the majority of patients with ALS. Respiratory muscle dysfunction impacts on quality of life and survival. ⋯ The respiratory muscles may be thought of as four functional groups: the inspiratory muscles, the expiratory muscles, the accessory muscles of respiration, and the upper airway muscles. This paper will review the structure and function of the neuromuscular respiratory system, and the evaluation and management of respiratory muscle dysfunction in ALS patients.