Earlier initiation of clinical care is associated with faster recovery after concussion, according to a study published online January in JAMA Neurology.
Anthony P. Kontos, Ph.D., from the University of Pittsburgh, and colleagues investigated the association between time since injury to initiation of clinical care and concussion recovery time. The analysis included 162 athletes (aged 12 to 22 years) who had a diagnosed, symptomatic concussion. Time to care was defined as early (no more than seven days since injury) or late (8 to 20 days after injury).
The researchers reported that the groups were similar with respect to symptom severity and cognitive, ocular, and vestibular outcomes at the first clinic visit. However, compared with the early group, the late group had an adjusted odds ratio of 4.7 for a recovery of longer than 30 days. Being in the late group (adjusted odds ratio, 5.8) and having more than two visual motion sensitivity symptoms (adjusted odds ratio, 4.5) were significantly associated with recovery time.
"Early clinical care including behavioral management interventions and targeted exertion, vestibular and oculomotor rehabilitation exercises also may minimize missed time at work, school or sports, helping the patient return to a normal routine sooner," a coauthor said in a statement.
