Latest Canadian Concussion News
Recent advancements in concussion therapy in Canada encompass updated assessment tools, comprehensive guidelines, and innovative research initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care and recovery outcomes.
Updated Assessment Tools
In June 2023, the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-6 (SCAT-6) was introduced, replacing the SCAT-5. This tool standardizes sport-related concussion care across all age groups and levels of athletic participation, facilitating consistent and effective assessment and management of concussions.
Living Concussion Guidelines
The Ottawa Hospital, in collaboration with partners, developed the Living Concussion Guidelines to provide healthcare professionals with up-to-date, evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and managing concussions in adults. Launched in September 2023, these guidelines address persistent concussion symptoms and offer a framework for personalized patient care.
International Consensus on Concussion in Sport
Canadian researchers have significantly contributed to the updated Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport, released in 2023 following the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Amsterdam in October 2022. This statement provides evidence-informed recommendations for healthcare professionals managing sport-related concussions, emphasizing prevention, diagnosis, and management strategies.
Research Initiatives
The TRANSCENDENT research program, a $5.4 million collaboration involving the CHEO Research Institute, 360 Concussion Care, and the Ontario Brain Institute, aims to transform concussion care globally. Led by Dr. Roger Zemek, this initiative seeks to establish one of the largest concussion datasets, utilizing advanced assessments such as physiological evaluations, fluid biomarkers, and neuroimaging to improve diagnosis, treatment, and management across diverse patient populations.
Additionally, researchers at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health have received funding from Brain Canada to develop new methods for diagnosing and treating concussions, focusing on addressing unmet medical needs in brain disorder treatments.
These developments reflect Canada’s commitment to advancing concussion therapy through updated assessment tools, comprehensive guidelines, and innovative research, aiming to improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of care provided to individuals affected by concussions.