Foundations of Sport-Related Brain Injuries

Description

Mild traumatic brain injury continues to plague athletes of all sports. The clinical scenario at times does not reflect the injury or mechanisms and, as such, the pathophysiology, pathomechanics and pathopsychology of a concussion continue to be the major areas for further research. A lack of understanding of these pathologies has led to controversial recommendations for return to play, as well as an underestimation of true brain injury severity. A major take-home point from this book should be the assumption that symptom resolution does not necessarily mean injury resolution. As can be seen by research focusing on global metabolic cascades and neural activity of the brain, long-standing dysfunctional pathways continue to exist for extended periods of time even after a minor concussion. Until we completely understand the consequences of short-term perturbations and long-term residual brain dysfunctions, concussions must be treated with respect and given a higher priority for continued research activity. Increasing public awareness concerning the dangers of this often underestimated injury will hopefully increase funding for research, allowing investigators around the world to achieve a complete understanding of these pathological processes. Foundations of Sport-Related Brain Injuries is organized into five parts: Mechanisms of Concussion: From Brain to Behavior Evaluation of Sport-Related Concussions Neuroimaging of Traumatic Brain Injury Empirical Findings of Concussion along Life-Span Clinical Coverage of Sport-Related Concussions This reference book provides the cumulative effort of world-known experts in the field to summarize current insights and controversies about concussions in athletics. Therefore, this book is an ideal resource for clinical practitioners, coaches, researchers and students interested in kinesiology, psychology, exercise, neuroscience, and sport medicine. Introductory Chapter Concussion in Athletics: Ongoing Controversy....Pages 1-16 Front Matter....Pages 17-17 Neurophysiology of Concussion: Theoretical Perspectives....Pages 19-43 Concussion Mechanisms and Pathophysiology....Pages 45-63 The Biomechanics and Pathomechanics of Sport-Related Concussion....Pages 65-83 Front Matter....Pages 85-85 Concussion Classification: Ongoing Controversy....Pages 87-110 New Developments in Sports Concussion Management....Pages 111-136 Neuropsychological Assessment Of Sports-Related Concussion: Measuring Clinically Significant Change....Pages 137-169 Motivation and the Assessment of Sports-Related Concussion....Pages 171-193 Front Matter....Pages 195-195 Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion....Pages 197-220 Fundamentals of EEG Methodology in Concussion Research....Pages 221-240 Electroencephalography and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury....Pages 241-265 Neuroimaging in Traumatic Brain Injury....Pages 267-288 Front Matter....Pages 289-289 Pediatric Traumatic Head Injuries....Pages 291-314 Aerobic Fitness and Concussion Outcomes in High School Football....Pages 315-339 EEG Changes and Balance Deficits Following Concussion: One Piece of the Puzzle....Pages 341-374 Front Matter....Pages 375-375 Concussion Management: What is Our Role?....Pages 377-389 Evolution and Mechanics of and Head Protection....Pages 391-406 Neural, Behavioral and Psychological Effects of Injury in Athletes....Pages 407-430 Assessment and Management of Concussion: A Neuropsychological Perspective....Pages 431-443 Traumatic Injury in Athletics: Dialog with Collegiate Coaches....Pages 445-477