Due to differences in modalities , time course , study design and outcomes , it is not possible to define a single ‘ physiological time window ’ for SRC recovery .
Multiple studies suggest physiological dysfunction may outlast current clinical measures of recovery , supporting a buffer zone of gradually increasing activity before full contact risk .
Aim or objective The aim of this study is to consoli date studies of physiological measures following sport-related concussion ( SRC ) to determine if a time course of postinjury altered neurobiology can be outlined .
This biological time course was considered with respect to clinical ly relevant outcomes such as vulnerability to repeat injury and safe timing of return to physical contact risk .
Cerebral Perfusion Changes in Post-Concussion Syndrome: A Prospective Controlled Cohort Study
Abstract The biology of post-concussive symptoms is unclear . Symptoms are often increased during activities , and have been linked to decreased cerebrovascular reactivity and perfusion . The aim of this study was to examine cerebral blood flow ( CBF ) in children with different clinical recovery patterns following mild traumatic brain injury ( mTBI ) . This was a prospect i ve controlled cohort study of children with mTBI ( ages 8 to 18 years ) who were symptomatic with post-concussive symptoms at one month post-injury ( symptomatic , n = 27 ) and children who had recovered quickly ( asymptomatic , n = 24 ) .  Pseudo continuous arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ) was used to quantify CBF . The mTBI groups were imaged at 40 days post-injury . Global and regional CBF were compared with healthy controls of similar age and sex but without a history of mTBI ( n = 21 ) . Seventy-two participants ( mean age : 14.1 years ) underwent neuroimaging . Significant differences in CBF were found : global CBF was higher in the symptomatic group and lower in the asymptomatic group compared with controls , ( F(2,69 ) 9.734 ; p < 0.001 ) . Post-injury symptom score could be predicted by pre-injury symptoms and CBF in presence of mTBI ( adjusted R2 = 0.424 ; p < 0.001 ) . Altered patterns of cerebral perfusion are seen following mTBI and are associated with the recovery trajectory . Symptomatic children have higher CBF . Children who “ recovered ” quickly , have decreased CBF suggesting that clinical recovery precedes the cerebral recovery . Further longitudinal studies are required to determine if these perfusion patterns continue to change over time
Due to differences in modalities , time course , study design and outcomes , it is not possible to define a single ‘ physiological time window ’ for SRC recovery .
Multiple studies suggest physiological dysfunction may outlast current clinical measures of recovery , supporting a buffer zone of gradually increasing activity before full contact risk .
Aim or objective The aim of this study is to consoli date studies of physiological measures following sport-related concussion ( SRC ) to determine if a time course of postinjury altered neurobiology can be outlined .
This biological time course was considered with respect to clinical ly relevant outcomes such as vulnerability to repeat injury and safe timing of return to physical contact risk .