Conference Postcard: Concussion and Brain Health Symposium, Sports Neuropsychology Society (SNS), May 1st to 3rd. Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Dr Bonnie-Kate Dewar

This year the annual SNS meeting immediately followed the Concussion in Sports Group meeting, which meant that many of the speakers were present for both meetings. The themes of presentations ranged from diagnosis, return to play or learning, prolonged symptoms, and long-term outcomes in retired athletes. The clinical research presented mainly focused on concussion, although I appreciated the presentation of return to play after a more severe brain injury. This highlighted the role of neuropsychology within a team approach to athlete care; and the acknowledgment that work roles with other neuropsychological populations informed sports neuropsychology.

Presentation on diagnosis of concussion included the use of biomarkers. Dr McCrea presented interesting data regarding those biomarkers that are elevated in the acute phase following concussion and how this can now be detected in the clinic. At present, no correlation with functional measures of cognition or mood/behaviour, but the promise is that in time the clinician may be able to ‘look back’ and determine if someone has had a brain injury or not. Very much watch this space with the suggestion that there will be different biomarkers for different reasons (including mood), and possibly biomarkers that will predict those who will take longer to recover.

Discussions of return to play and learn included an individualized, symptom guided approach which lead to a faster resolution of symptoms in young people. Prof Anderson presented data on the concussion clinic for young people based in Melbourne and the challenge of translating clinical research into practice. The issue of prolonged symptoms was raised across presentations. Prof Anderson suggested that it was young people with pre-existing problems who took longer to recover. Dr Patricios posited that some long responders may have a functional cognitive disorder which will inform a different treatment approach. He referred to the Burke and Silverberg (2025) editorial in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

The presentations on long term outcome included hot off the press data by Dr Brett from the NFL Long study. This data suggested that those with greater than 10 concussions in their career had an increased risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment; however there needs to be a better understanding of what was driving this. Dr Brett suggested that there are a number of modifiable factors that might explain the neuropsychological outcome, such as sleep apnoea, adjustment, headaches etc., and so even if an individual’s concussion(s) occurred many years ago, there are steps that can be taken to improve current cognitive function.

Overall, I found that the conference updated my understanding of issues pertaining to both sports related neuropsychology and mild brain injury. Milwaukee was an unexpected delight- lots of good food, public art, and friendly people. It is known for its beer, cheese and of course Happy Days, hence the ‘bronze Fonz’.