Gender Similarities in Corticospinal Excitability and Inhibition Following Concussion

Lazar Beales^*
*Correspondence: Lazar Beales, Department of Physiology, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA, Email:

Introduction

Concussion, a common form of traumatic brain injury, has been an area of extensive research due to its potential short- and long-term effects on neurophysiological function. Corticospinal excitability and inhibition, crucial markers of motor system integrity, have garnered attention as indicators of neurological recovery post-concussion. Prior studies have suggested potential gender-related differences in concussion outcomes, spurring investigations into whether corticospinal excitability and inhibition vary between males and females following concussions. This study aims to explore the extent of gender similarities in these neurophysiological aspects after a concussion, shedding light on potential implications for recovery trajectories and tailored rehabilitation strategies [1].

Gender-based differences in concussion outcomes have been a topic of increasing interest within the realm of neurology and sports medicine. One particular facet of this exploration has centered around the neurophysiological aspects of corticospinal excitability and inhibition, fundamental markers of motor system function that could hold key insights into the recovery trajectories of concussed individuals. The investigation into whether males and females exhibit distinct patterns of corticospinal excitability and inhibition following concussion is not merely an academic pursuit, but one that holds practical implications for clinical management and rehabilitation strategies [2].

Description

The research conducted involved a cohort of concussed individuals, both males and females, who were assessed for corticospinal excitability and inhibition using established neurophysiological techniques. Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) were measured through transcranial magnetic stimulation, reflecting corticospinal excitability, while Short-Interval Intracortical Inhibition (SICI) was evaluated to assess inhibitory processes within the motor cortex [3]. A battery of clinical assessments was also administered to gauge the severity of concussion symptoms and track recovery progress. The results of the study revealed no significant gender-based differences in corticospinal excitability or inhibition among concussed individuals. Both male and female participants exhibited comparable patterns of neurophysiological responses in the acute and sub-acute phases post-concussion. These findings challenge previous notions of gender-related variations in concussion outcomes, suggesting that corticospinal excitability and inhibition might follow similar trajectories regardless of gender. Recent investigations into gender-related differences in corticospinal excitability and inhibition following concussion have yielded intriguing insights. Contrary to expectations driven by earlier studies, emerging evidence suggests that, on a neurophysiological level, males and females exhibit remarkable similarities in these aspects during the acute and sub-acute phases of concussion recovery [4 ]. The absence of substantial gender-based disparities in these markers challenges conventional assumptions and underscores the complexity of concussion outcomes. These findings imply that, at least concerning these specific neural responses, gender might not be a primary determinant influencing the early phases of post-concussion recovery. While this research sheds light on the convergence of corticospinal excitability and inhibition responses across genders, it also highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between gender, neurophysiology, and concussion outcomes. Further investigations are warranted to ascertain whether these neurophysiological parallels persist in the context of different concussion severities, recovery timelines, and long-term outcomes. Moreover, the study's implications for designing individualized rehabilitation programs that transcend gender-based approaches underscore the importance of tailoring treatments to an individual's unique concussion profile [5].

Conclusion

This study contributes to a better understanding of gender-related aspects in concussion research by investigating corticospinal excitability and inhibition patterns following concussions. The absence of notable differences in these neurophysiological markers between males and females suggests that, at least in terms of these specific measures, gender might not be a significant factor influencing the initial stages of recovery post-concussion. These insights emphasize the importance of tailored rehabilitation programs that consider the individual's unique concussion profile rather than solely relying on genderbased approaches. However, further research is warranted to elucidate potential gender-related nuances in concussion recovery beyond the scope of corticospinal excitability and inhibition.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

There are no conflicts of interest by author.

References

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