Enhancing Knowledge
Our research aims to advance understanding of the neuropsychology of brain injury by developing theoretical models, applying advanced statistical analyses to examine neuropsychological impacts, and validating assessment measures specific to brain injury. This knowledge is used to inform and improve treatment approaches and neurorehabilitation practices.
A Biopsychosocial Framework of mTBI
This perspective paper presents a psychological framework to help clinicians understand and address persistent postconcussion symptoms (PPCS) within biopsychosocial models. Faulkner and Snell identify five key tenets: preinjury psychosocial vulnerabilities, acute psychological distress, environmental/contextual factors, transdiagnostic processes, and learning principles. Through clinical case examples, they illustrate how these psychological factors can interact over time to maintain or worsen symptoms. The framework offers practical guidance to support tailored concussion rehabilitation and enhance outcomes.
Networks of Post Concussion Symptoms
In this study, we used network analysis to examine how post-concussion symptoms interact in two mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) cohorts—one early post-injury and one 10 years later. Frustration, blurred vision, and concentration difficulties emerged as the most central symptoms in both groups, suggesting these may play a key role in the maintenance of persistent symptoms over time. The findings highlight potential targets for treatment and support the use of network approaches in understanding and managing mTBI recovery.
Complex System Model of PPCS
We worked with Dr Kris Nielsen to critically evaluate the complex systems model of persisting post-concussion symptoms (PPCS), which conceptualizes PPCS as emerging from dynamic interactions across cellular, neural, experiential, and social levels.
PTSS Patterns after mTBI
We identified four distinct profiles of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in mTBI: resilient, moderate, moderate with high intrusion/avoidance, and highly symptomatic. Profile membership was significantly associated with both short- and long-term mTBI outcomes
Measuring Psychological Distress
We evaluated the DASS-21 in mTBI using Rasch analysis. The stress and a revised 6-item depression subscale showed good psychometric properties, but the anxiety subscale performed poorly and showed item bias. We provide conversion tables to improve measurement precision.
Incidence of Post Concussion Symptoms in Neurologically Healthy
In this study we examined how common symptoms similar to persisting concussion symptoms (PCS) are in neurologically healthy adults in Aotearoa New Zealand. A quarter of healthy participants reported symptom levels often used to indicate PCS, with fatigue and sleep problems being the most common. While people with concussion reported more severe symptoms overall, many cognitive and psychological symptoms were also common in healthy individuals, highlighting the need for careful assessment of pre-injury functioning during concussion recovery.