Do patients with a self-limited diagnosis of “concussion” require specialty follow up?
If so, is there a benefit to earlier evaluation?
Recently published research from the University of Pittsburgh Sports Medicine Concussion Program suggests so.
Subjects: 162 concussed athletes between the ages of 12 and 22
Findings: Athletes treated in the first week after injury recovered faster than those who did not receive care until 8 to 21 days post injury.
Note: Once in care the length of time spent recovering was the same for both groups. This suggests that the amount of time prior to the initiation of care may explain the longer recovery time of the 2nd group.
Earlier recovery can help minimize effects on mood, quality of life and lost time in school/work.
Take home: Consiuder early follow up referral to a qualified provider for all concussed patients seen in the ED
References
Kontos et al., 2020. Association of Time Since Injury to the First Clinic Visit With Recovery Following Concussion. Jama Neurology.
Kontos et al., 2020. Association of Time Since Injury to the First Clinic Visit With Recovery Following Concussion. Jama Neurology.
