Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) in Sports-Related Concussion: A Pilot Case Series

Sports-related concussions (SRC) are classified as mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) resulting from direct or indirect forces transmitted to the brain. While common in high-impact sports like football and rugby, management strategies are often limited. A recent pilot case series investigated Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) as an off-label intervention following concussion. Study Design & Methodology:. The study focused on five male amateur football players (average age 25 ± 6 years) who sustained a sports-related concussion. The Intervention: TPS was applied approximately 48 hours post-injury., Assessment: Researchers used the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT6) to track symptom number, severity, and cognitive performance., Timeline: Baseline data was collected immediately post-injury, with a follow-up assessment at 7 days. Key Findings & Results:. Symptom Reduction: Participants showed a reduction in both the total number of reported symptoms and overall symptom severity (SCAT6 scores) within 7 days., Stable Cognition: Cognitive performance remained stable over the observation period., Rapid Recovery: Participants achieved a return to play at an average of approximately 7 days post-injury., Safety Profile: The TPS treatment was well-tolerated by all participants, with zero adverse effects or treatment-related side effects reported. Interpretation: This pilot case series suggests that TPS is a feasible and well-tolerated application in this small cohort. The observed improvements in symptom burden warrant further investigation in larger, controlled studies to fully establish its efficacy in treating SRC.