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



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.



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.
a Faculty of Health , Deakin University , Melbourne , Australia.
Bede
B
Ozolins
b Centre for Design Innovation (CDI) , Swinburne University of Technology , Melbourne , Australia.
Nicole
N
Aimers
c Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences , Swinburne University of Technology , Melbourne , Australia.
Lucy
L
Parrington
b Centre for Design Innovation (CDI) , Swinburne University of Technology , Melbourne , Australia.|d Melbourne School of Health Sciences , The University of Melbourne , Australia.
Alan J
AJ
Pearce
D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000150:complications*; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests
Brain concussion; motor skills disorders; movement disorders; traumatic brain injury