Sport-related concussion: Factors associated with prolonged return to play

Chad A. Asplund, Douglas B. McKeag, Cara H. Olsen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

76 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To assess predictive value of concussion signs and symptoms based on return-to-play timelines. Design: Physician practice study without diagnosis that includes presentation, initial and subsequent treatment, and management of concussion. Setting: National multisite primary care sports medicine provider locations. Participants: Twenty-two providers at 18 sites; 101 athletes (91 men, 10 women in the following sports: 73 football, 8 basketball, 8 soccer, 3 wrestling, 2 lacrosse, 2 skiing, 5 others; 51 college, 44 high school, 4 professional, and 2 recreational). Main Outcome Measurements: Duration of symptoms, presence of clinical signs, and time to return to play following concussion. Results: One hundred one concussions were analyzed. Pearson χ2 analysis of common early and late concussion symptoms revealed statistical significance (P < 0.05) of headache >3 hours, difficulty concentrating >3 hours, any retrograde amnesia or loss of consciousness, and return to play >7 days. There appeared to be a trend in patients with posttraumatic amnesia toward poor outcome, but this was not statistically significant. Conclusions: When evaluating concussion, symptoms of headache >3 hours, difficulty concentrating >3 hours, retrograde amnesia, or loss of consciousness may indicate a more severe injury or prolonged recovery; great caution should be exercised before returning these athletes to play.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)339-343
Number of pages5
JournalClinical Journal of Sport Medicine
Volume14
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Concussion
  • Outcomes
  • Sports
  • Symptoms

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

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