Differential Effect of Recurrent Concussions on Symptom Clusters in Sport Concussion Assessment Tool.

CONTEXT: Symptom checklist in Sport Concussion Assessment Tool has been widely used in preseason assessment and in concussion diagnosis, but the impact of prior concussions on the graded symptoms after a new concussion has not been evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to examine reported symptoms associated with recurrent concussions using data of a comprehensive survey among athletes.

DESIGN

Retrospective survey and cross-sectional study.

SETTING

College athletes.

PARTICIPANTS

Student athletes who sustained one or more concussions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Concussion history and graded symptoms of the most recent concussion at time of the survey were surveyed. The impact of prior concussions was examined over symptoms and aggregated symptoms.

RESULTS

Multiple concussions were associated with greater reporting of individual symptoms related to emotion and physical symptoms of sensitivity to light and noise: more emotional (z = 2.3, P = .02); sadness (z = 2.4, P = .02); nervousness (z = 2.4, P = .02); irritability (z = 3.6, P = .01); sensitivity to light (z = 2.6, P = .01); and sensitivity to noise (z = 2.4, P = .04). The composite scores of emotional symptom and sensitivity symptom clusters were significantly higher: t = 2.68 (P < .01) and t = 3.35 (P < .01), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The significant rises in emotional and sensitivity symptoms may be an important additive effect of concussive injury. Closer attention should be given to these symptom clusters when evaluating concussion injury and recovery.