This study was undertaken to determine the effect and magnitude that transcranially applied Microcurrent Point Stimulation (tCMPS) has on HPA cortisol stress, endocrine sex hormones, cognitive performance and Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) symptomology (total 20 scientific markers) to a N=35 sample of severely concussed patients.
 
Markers included: Cortisol, Progesterone, Melatonin, Estriol, Estradoil, Estrone, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), Androstenedione, 17 Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), Progesterone-Estradoil Ratio, ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test) and King-Devick (KD-concussion management test). Methods  
 
35 medically diagnosed concussion patients were recruited, 20 female and 15 male. Average female age 41.95, 3.26 years  PCS suffering 3.26. Average male age 49.20 and 4.24 yrs PCS suffering. tCMPS was applied in 45 minute sessions to each patient with all markers collected pre-post tCMPS. Study treatment sessions and testing took place in a quiet clinic setting in Midland Ont.  Six (6) therapists spent four (4) days to collect data, and all therapists were separated during collection.  Statistical analyses were done by 3rd party freelance statistician using SPSS software Results
 
The N=20 female group reported a statistically significant pre-post improvement in 5 out of the 20 markers (>95% CI). The N=15 male group reported 2 out of 20 makers with significant improvements. 
 
Female tCMPS outcomes:  HPA/endocrine markers reported a 49.2% decrease in post Cortisol [p=0.000] and a significant increase in Testosterone levels (16.9%, p=0.043]. Cognitive markers King Devick (KD)  Score [18.7% p=0.021], and ImPACT Reaction Times [8.5%; p=0.005] improved with women but not men. ImPACT Symptom Scores (52.2%  p=0.000] improved 26% more in women. 
 
Male tCMPS outcomes:  Cortisol (48.8% decrease, p=0.002] coupled with a decrease in post ImPACT Symptom Scores [41.3% ; p=0.001].         Conclusion
Study confirms stress/cortisol as key inhibitors to concussion recovery and tCMPS as a statistically significant stress reduction intervention. Both sexes reduced cortisol/stress in tandem, but women significantly outperformed men in cognitive functioning and endocrine markers, confirming the female stress sensitivity response.

Gender specific relationship between cortisol stress reduction, hormonal fluctuations and PCS symptoms in Post-concussion patients