Sports-Related Concussion: Neurometabolic Aspects

Semin Speech Lang. 2019 Nov;40(5):333-343. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1679887. Epub 2019 Feb 14.

Abstract

Concussion is a transitory brain injury resulting from a blow to the head. Concussion is considered a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), which is self-limited. Repetitive mTBI has been associated with chronic, progressive neurological damage. Extreme biochemical changes occur in neuron cells as a result of mTBI. These metabolic disturbances may reflect the symptoms observed in patients who had suffered concussions. However, it has been difficult to correlate clinical signs and symptoms. Currently, there are no laboratory tests to diagnose concussion, though several biomarkers are being investigated. Further studies are needed to elucidate the biochemical details of the metabolic cascade and the associated time frame, which will help determine when an athlete can safely return to the game.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Athletic Injuries / diagnosis
  • Athletic Injuries / pathology
  • Athletic Injuries / physiopathology*
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Brain / blood supply
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Brain Concussion / diagnosis
  • Brain Concussion / pathology
  • Brain Concussion / physiopathology*
  • Brain Damage, Chronic / diagnosis
  • Brain Damage, Chronic / pathology
  • Brain Damage, Chronic / physiopathology
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy / diagnosis
  • Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy / pathology
  • Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy / physiopathology
  • Energy Metabolism / physiology*
  • Glutamic Acid / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Macrophage Activation / physiology
  • Membrane Potentials / physiology
  • Nerve Degeneration / pathology
  • Nerve Degeneration / physiopathology
  • Neurons / pathology
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Potassium / metabolism
  • Regional Blood Flow / physiology
  • Return to Sport

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Glutamic Acid
  • Potassium
  • Calcium