Day-to-day variability of post-concussion-like symptoms reported over time by a non-concussed cohort.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the change (trend) in post-concussion-like symptoms reported over time.


METHODS
Longitudinal study.


METHODS
University students aged 18-30 years self-reported their symptoms experienced on a daily basis. Each participant was contacted via a text message each day during one of three pre-defined time zones to complete the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 2 (SCAT2) post-concussion symptom scale on 7 consecutive days.


RESULTS
One hundred and ten (26 males and 84 females) students completed the study on all 7 days. Only two meaningful clusters emerged and comprised of a total of 105 participants. The primary cluster included 85 participants who showed a relatively stable pattern in their symptoms reported over time. Meanwhile, a second cluster comprised of 20 participants who demonstrated a decreasing trend in the reported symptom scores.


CONCLUSIONS
The data indicated that non-concussed participants exhibited considerable individual variability in the symptom scores reported over time. However, some participants showed a systematic decreasing trend in their symptom scores reported over the 7 days. Caution must be exercised in interpreting the serial symptom scores that are obtained following a concussion, given that this study was conducted in a non-concussed cohort.
a Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy , University of Otago , Dunedin , New Zealand.
Arun Prasad
AP
Balasundaram
b Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine , University of Otago , Dunedin , New Zealand.
Josie
J
Athens
c School of Human, Health & Social Sciences , Central Queensland University , Branyan , Australia.
Anthony G
AG
Schneiders
d The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health - Melbourne Brain Centre , University of Melbourne , Heidelberg , Victoria , Australia.
Paul
P
McCrory
a Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy , University of Otago , Dunedin , New Zealand.
S John
SJ
Sullivan
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D038223:Post-Concussion Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors; D015599:Trauma Severity Indices; D055815:Young Adult
Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 2; Total symptom score; return-to-play; symptom severity score