Sex Differences in Common Measures of Concussion in College Athletes

This study investigates sex-based differences in sports concussion assessments among college varsity athletes. Design and Setting: Retrospective study of an institution's athletic head injury database. Participants: Acute postinjury and baseline data from 111 college athletes sustaining concussions between 2016 and 2018, diagnosed by a concussion specialist physician. Main Outcome Measures: Concussion assessments examined included the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT5) and Vestibular Oculomotor Screening (VOMS) performed within 3 days (24-72 hours) of injury. Results: No significant difference by sex was observed in the SCAT5 total symptom evaluation scores or severity scores, Standardized Assessment of Concussion, or Balance Error Scoring System (P> .05) within 3 days of head injury. Females did report more “pressure in the head” severity scores from baseline to postconcussion (2.7 ± 1.5 increased symptomatology in females vs 1.8 ± 1.3 increase in males, P = .007). The VOMS test resulted in significant sex differences in smooth pursuit [0.6 ± 1.4 increase in females (P
Source: The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation - Category: Neurology Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research