VBIA Concussion Diagnosis Project – Desired High-level and Intermediary Outcomes, as of July 2020

by Megan Pan

Posted on 20 July 2020

With mTBI research constantly evolving and new literature constantly being added to the field, we have separated the desired outcomes of the Concussion Diagnosis Project into one high-level outcome and several intermediary outcomes, some of which will be amended as novel techniques become better understood.

As of July 2020, the desired outcomes are as follows:

High level outcome:

To research, publicize, and help facilitate the rollout of an objective, consensus-based mTBI diagnosis method.

Intermediary outcomes (as of July 2020):

To establish as standard practice, baseline CRI testing prior to participation in a contact sport or hazardous occupation.

To establish as standard practice, baseline Brain Function Index (BFI) testing prior to participation in a contact sport or hazardous occupation.

  • While high-risk occupations remain the priority, the VBIA continues to campaign for everybody to pursue baseline BFI/EEG testing.
  • In general, the VBIA firmly believes that brain health should be taken as seriously as general physical health, and should be measured for during regular check-ups with a physician.

To establish as widespread practice, baseline event-related potential (ERP) measurements (particularly for N100, P300, and N400 components) prior to participation in a contact sport or hazardous occupation.

To establish as standard practice, immediate CRT5 assessments following a traumatic impact in any setting.

  • The CRT5 is currently deployed in major sports leagues, however many workplaces have not been equipped or trained to deliver this assessment, hindering the recovery process.

To push for larger controlled sampled studies (n > 500) to measure the significance and correlation between ERP component latencies and concussion severity.

  • Once consensus in this area is established, push WorkSafeBC to include ERP component latencies as supplemental diagnostic criteria to be included in their Graduated Return-To-Work (GRTW) plan and their assessment and treatment guidelines.
  • Should ERP component latencies show promise following these larger controlled sample studies, push for the inclusion of these abstract submissions on the 6th or 7th International Conference on Concussion in Sport.

Have WorkSafeBC include BFI scores as supplemental diagnostic criteria to be included in their Graduated Return-To-Work (GRTW) plan and their assessment and treatment guidelines.

To draft, edit, and distribute a literature review of existing mTBI diagnostic methods. This will communicate their current efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and clinical applicability to our clients and followers.

  • This review will be derived from the VBIA mTBI working spreadsheet and focus on areas of promise.