Episode 1: Networking, Marketing, And Developing Your Identity As A Sports Neuropsychologist

Welcome to our first episode of Talking Heads: Fresh Topics in Sports Neuropsychology, the official podcast of the Sports Neuropsychology Society! In this episode, hosts Dr. Lindy Fields and Dr. Kate Higgins talk with sports neuropsychologist and concussion expert, Dr. Beth Pieroth, about networking, marketing, and developing your identity as a sports neuropsychologist. You won’t…

Influence of Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders on Cognitive and Symptom Profiles

This study looked at the differences in ImPACT baseline cognitive composites and symptom scores in athletes with self-reported Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  Previous research has shown that other neurodevelopmental groups (ADHD, learning disabilities (LD), and ADHD+LD) demonstrate differences in both cognitive composites (lower memory composites and slower speed composites) and symptoms scores (overall higher symptom…

Mild cognitive impairment and dementia reported by former professional football players over 50 years of age: an NFL-LONG study

Summary: The authors analyzed self-report questionnaire data from over 900 former NFL players (ages 50+). Their results revealed higher prevalence of self-reported MCI and dementia compared to the general population, with self-reported impairment associated with various health-related (reported concussions, depression, anxiety, recent pain, sleep apnea) and demographics-related (age, race) factors. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34593716/ Walton, S. R., Brett,…

Longitudinal trajectory of depression symptom severity and the influence of concussion history and physical function over a 19-year period among former NFL players

Summary: The authors studied 333 former NFL players over a 19-year period to determine factors associated with severity and trajectory of depressive symptoms. Their data revealed an association between concussion history and severity of depression, as well as showed that declining physical functioning was associated with increases in depressive symptoms longitudinally. https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/early/2021/10/17/jnnp-2021-326602 Brett B. L., Kerr Z. Y., Walton S.…

Diagnosis, Management, and Long-Term Risk – Virtual Workshop

Registration is now open for our August 26th Virtual Workshop – Sports Concussion: Diagnosis, Management, and Long-Term Risk! 3.5 CE CreditsThursday, August 26, 2021 (US) | Friday, August, 27, 2021 (AUS)5:00 PM – 8:30 PM ET (US) | 7:00 AM – 10:30 AM (AUS) View or download the full information flyer : http://www.sportsneuropsychologysociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CCN_NAN_SNS_EventFlyer2021-1.pdf Please see…

Selected issues in sport-related concussion for the team physician: a consensus statement

This is the latest update to the Team Physician consensus statement on sport-related concussion developed by the Team Physician Consensus Conference (previous drafts published in 2006 and 2011).  The article delineates “essential” information that a team physician must understand and implement and “desirable” information that are considered best-practice in ideal settings.  The article then briefly…

After a concussion: No more sitting in the dark?

This is the first study to objectively document self-paced physical and cognitive activity post-concussion among youth suggests they may be able to engage in physical and cognitive activity as soon as tolerated post-concussion. The study, published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, found that self-paced physical and cognitive activity during the first week after sustaining…

Rates of Incidental Findings in Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Children

This study explores the number of incidental findings in a large (N= 11,810) multi-site brain MRI study (Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development).  3T baseline scans were reviewed by board-certified neuroradiologists for incidental findings.  Approximately 21% of the scans had incidental findings with 3.7% warranting non-urgent clinical referrals and 0.2% warranting urgent clinical referrals.  The remaining 17%…

Association Between Previous Concussion Education and Concussion Care-Seeking Outcomes among NCAA Division I Student-Athletes

The authors of this article documented that concussion education increased concussion care seeking behaviors in NCAA Division I student athletes.  Student athletes who had sustained a concussion previously and/or participated in athletic programs with multi-format concussion education were more likely to engage in concussion care seeking than those athletes that had not had those experiences.…