Evaluation of physical examination elements in the diagnosis and prognosis of sports related concussion in adolescent athletes. Issue 11 (25th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Willer, Barry; Baker, John; Hinds, Andrea; Miecznikowski, Jeff; Czuczman, Natalie; Lesh, Kevin; Leddy, John
• Is Part Of: British journal of sports medicine. Volume 51:Issue 11(2017)
• Page Start: A51
• Page End: A52
• Publication Date: 2017-05-25
• Subjects: Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-097270.134
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-3674

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To evaluate a brief physical examination (PE) for diagnosis and prognosis of sport-related concussion (SRC) in adolescents. Design: Prospective. Setting: UniversityConcussion clinics. Subjects: 53 adolescents with SRC (mean age 15.4; 70% male) and 30 uninjured controls (mean age 15.8; 73% male). Interventions: Participants received a brief PE (11 PE elements in three systems: cervical, oculomotor and vestibular). Concussed adolescents were assessed acutely (mean 4.5 days post-injury) and at follow up (mean 18.5 days). Outcome measures: Dependent variables 1: Concussion versus uninjured and 2: Standard versus slow recovery (>3 weeks). Recovery was defined as asymptomatic and exercise tolerant. Results: Table 1 shows the significant PE variables that distinguished concussed from uninjured (via Fisher's exact test; significance p<0.05). Table 2 shows the significant PE variables distinguishing standard recovery from slow recovery at visit 2 (via Fisher's exact test; significance p<0.05). Conclusions: Easily administered physical exam reveals clinical findings that are important and sensitive for diagnosing acute concussion. Prognosis was less precise due to the heterogeneity of aetiology of slow recovery. Competing interests: No competing interests for any authors.