Sex-Specific Differences in the Severity of Symptoms and Recovery Rate following Sports-Related Concussion in Young Athletes

AbstractIntroduction: While research on adult recovery from concussion indicates sex-specific symptoms and recovery rates, there is little existing data on younger patient populations. Objective: To determine sex-specific differences in the severity of presenting symptoms and recovery rate between groups of young athletes who presented ≤ 7 or > 7 days after sports-related concussion. Methods: This study was a retrospective review of athletes aged 9 to 17 years who were referred for evaluation of a sports-related concussion over a 24-month period. The study groups were divided by sex and post-injury presentation to the clinic at ≤ 7 days and > 7 days from the date of injury. Athletes with learning disabilities were excluded from the study and data analysis. Age, height, and weight were recorded for each subject. Each subject also reported their initial degree of confusion, amnesia, or loss of consciousness, and whether a helmet was worn when the injury was sustained. A 22-item post-concussion symptom score...