Blog
Co-occurrence of depression and concussion worsens symptoms in collegiate athletes
A study highlights that the co-occurrence of concussion and depression is “associated with significantly worse symptoms for both conditions.” Despite overlapping symptoms, these conditions are often treated independently, overlooking their additive effects.
Psychiatric symptoms caused by multiple concussions may be due to the kynurenine pathway and structural changes in the brain in collegiate-aged athletes
A study investigated the link between concussion history, changes in limbic brain structure (the emotional processing system), and psychiatric symptoms, focusing on the kynurenine pathway (KP) as a potential mechanism. The KP is a metabolic pathway connected to inflammation, the immune system, and neurological conditions.
Post-concussion academic supports in higher education: new efforts to address continuing gaps
A recent report by Memmini and colleagues identifies key principles of return-to-learn for college athletes to explore how non-athletes fare in the college classroom after a concussion.
Athletes with comorbid depression and anxiety and no recent concussion report more post-concussion symptoms than “healthy mood” athletes who are two weeks post-concussion
Scientists have found that athletes with baseline comorbid depression and anxiety reported more symptoms on the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale, without having a recent concussion, than the post-concussion athletes who had a healthy mood at baseline.
Internship Alum Interview: Zachary Napora
Zachary Napora, an internship alum, said, "I had a long-term concussion, was looking for answers, and just stumbled upon the website and got a lot of help from Concussion Alliance. When I recovered, I went back on the website, saw they had an internship program and applied from there.” His interview was one in a series about how Concussion Alliance impacted interns' lives going forward.
Satisfaction with quality of life post-concussion may reduce the risk of lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries; more studies needed
A recent study in the Journal of Athletic Training explored the role of mental health in predicting lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries (LE MSK) after sports-related concussions in NCAA student-athletes. Previous research has found that the rate of LE MSK is elevated post-concussion, although the cause of this increased rate is unknown. In addition, poorer mental health is common post-concussion.
Concussion Alliance resources for college students press release
Concussion Alliance is pleased to announce a PR Newswire press release about our comprehensive, evidence-based set of concussion resources for college students, educators, and administrators. The press release was written by Melissa Sodko, MPH(c), as part of her intern practicum for her degree at Tulane University. AP News and at least 60 news outlets picked up the story.
College athletes and service academy cadets with non-sports-related concussions have worse outcomes, more days lost to injury
A study found that college athletes who sustained non-sports-related concussions reported their injury at lower rates, had higher symptom severity, and had longer-lasting symptoms than those who has sports-related concussions.