Research Summaries (Plain-Language)
Concussion science moves quickly and is mostly written for specialists. These summaries translate it, and say clearly what each study can and cannot tell us.
Who this is for: Written for treating providers and curious patients who want the evidence behind concussion assessment in plain language, with its limits stated up front.
Key takeaways
- Each summary states the question, who was studied, what was measured, the main findings and the limitations.
- Results from athletes or military personnel may not apply to someone hurt in a car crash.
- "Associated with" does not mean "caused by".
- Every summary is clinician-reviewed before publication and dated when updated.
- Use summaries alongside, not instead of, primary sources and clinical guidelines.
Why we summarize research
Concussion research is published fast and mostly for specialists. These summaries translate it for treating providers, patients and anyone who wants to understand the evidence behind standardized concussion assessment. Each is reviewed for accuracy before publication.
When the evidence is mixed, we will say so.
How each summary is built
Each summary states the research question, who was studied, what was measured, the main findings and the limitations. We flag small studies, results that have not been replicated and findings that apply only to particular groups.
Two guideline anchors
Some reference points recur across our summaries. Under the 2023 ACRM diagnostic criteria, a concussion can be diagnosed without loss of consciousness and with normal imaging. The 2021 ACNS guideline considers quantitative EEG investigational, which is why our summaries treat EEG findings as an adjunct to eye-movement, neurocognitive and history data rather than a standalone answer.
Related in this series: EEG-Based Brain Activity Assessment, Standardized vs. Subjective Findings in Concussion Cases and Mild TBI vs. Concussion: Are They the Same?. For the full overview, start with our guide, TBI Diagnostics: What Tests and Reports Show.
Planned topic areas
- Eye-movement and vestibular findings after mild TBI
- Computerized neurocognitive assessment: uses and limitations
- Quantitative brain-activity measures in concussion research
- Persistent post-concussion symptoms and recovery timelines
- Concussion in older adults and anticoagulation
Research describes groups of people, not you specifically.
How to read a summary
Look first at who was studied. Next, consider size and design: larger studies and studies with comparison groups usually give stronger evidence than small case series. Then read the limitations, which tell you what the study cannot answer. A difference between groups does not mean every individual shows it.
What we won't do
We will not cherry-pick studies, exaggerate results, use research to support legal arguments or suggest that any test alone proves or rules out a brain injury. When new research changes the picture, we update the summary and note the date.
Frequently asked questions
Can a research summary tell me whether I have a concussion?
No. Research describes groups of people. Talk with your treating provider about your own situation.
Why do you mention who was studied so often?
Because results from one group, such as college athletes, may not apply to people injured in car crashes.
Can providers suggest a topic?
Yes. Call 813-709-3771 with the question you would like summarized.
We diagnose. You treat.
Fully mobile across Florida: we test at the patient's home, at any of 40+ service locations across Florida, or at your office. Mobile, physician-reviewed concussion and TBI diagnostics for Florida providers and their accident patients. Reports go to a neurologist ahead of the neuro evaluation; the referring provider then receives a copy for advanced imaging and treatment recommendations.
Book a 15-minute callRefer a patientOr call 813-709-3771
Sources
- CDC: TBI data
- TRACK-TBI (Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in TBI), UCSF
- MedlinePlus (NIH National Library of Medicine): Traumatic brain injury
This article is educational and is not medical or legal advice. If this is a medical emergency, call 911.