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Review
. 2023 Apr;13(2):e200123.
doi: 10.1212/CPJ.0000000000200123. Epub 2023 Feb 21.

Sport-Related Concussion: A Cognitive Perspective

Harry Hallock  1 , Maron Mantwill  1 , Peter Vajkoczy  1 , Bernd Wolfarth  1 , Claus Reinsberger  1 , Amit Lampit  1 , Carsten Finke  1
Affiliations
Review

Sport-Related Concussion: A Cognitive Perspective

Harry Hallock et al. Neurol Clin Pract. 2023 Apr.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The incidence of sport-related concussion (SRC) has been increasing in different sports and its impact on long-term cognitive function is increasingly recognized. In this study, we review the epidemiology, neuropathophysiology, clinical symptoms, and long-term consequences of SRC with a specific focus on cognition.

Recent findings: Repeated concussions are associated with an increased risk of several neurologic diseases and long-term cognitive deficits. To improve cognitive outcomes in athletes with SRC, standardized guidelines for the assessment and management of SRC are vital. However, current concussion management guidelines lack procedures for rehabilitating acute and long-term cognitive symptoms.

Summary: Increased awareness for the management and rehabilitation of cognitive symptoms in SRC is needed in all clinical neurologists treating professional and amateur athletes. We propose cognitive training as a prehabilitation tool to alleviate the severity of cognitive symptoms and as a rehabilitative tool to improve cognitive recovery postinjury.

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Conflict of interest statement

H. Hallock was using ImPACT Applications, Inc then as a paying customer for separate ongoing research; C. Reinsberger receives scientific funding by the Federal Institute of Sports Sciences (Germany) and the Heinz Nixdorf Westfalian Foundation. He examines and treats patients with sport-related concussion on a regular basis in an outpatient concussion clinic. He is a member of the medical committee of the German Football association (DFB) and provides counselling to the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA); C. Finke received scientific funding by the Federal Institute of Sports Sciences (Germany). C. Finke was using ImPACT Applications, Inc then as a paying customer for separate ongoing research. The other authors report no relevant disclosures. Full disclosure form information provided by the authors is available with the full text of this article at Neurology.org/cp.

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