Movement disorders and motor impairments following repeated head trauma: A systematic review of the literature 1990–2015

Abstract

Background: There is increasing attention on the long-term sequelae following multiple concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBI) in later life. The majority of the research has focused on long-term cognitive impairments and behavioural changes. Despite being researched and reported, long-term motor dysfunction and movement disorders as a consequence of concussions and TBI have not received due consideration.

Review: This study used a systematic review and qualitative analysis that focused on two key areas: (1) identified movement disorders in individuals with a reported history of repeated concussions or repeated mild-to-moderate TBIs; and (2) identified motor impairments in individuals with a history of repeated concussions or repeated mild-to-moderate TBIs. Fourteen studies investigating long-term movement disorders or motor impairments as a result of repeated concussions or TBI met the selection criteria. Study ratings were moderate-to-high; therefore, evidence was strong enough to conclude that repeated concussions or repeated mild/moderate TBIs did affect the motor system.

Conclusion: The evidence in this systematic review highlights the need for future studies to include motor outcomes along with cognitive and behavioural outcomes when assessing the long-term effects of repeated concussions or repeated mild/moderate TBIs.

Keywords:

• Brain concussion
• traumatic brain injury
• movement disorders
• motor skills disorders

Declaration of interest

NA and LP are supported by Swinburne University post-doctoral fellowships. The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.