Abstract
This study explored the impact of concussion on activities, academics, athletics, and socialization among collegiate students; strategies for symptom management; and practices for concussion management at one university and the surrounding community.
Primary Author and Speaker: Sueann Barsh
Contributing Authors: Elizabeth Kloczko Wescott
A concussion is defined as a mild traumatic brain injury that can impact the individual who sustains the concussion, their family, the community, the healthcare and educational system (CDC, n.d.). Occupational therapists (OTs) offer a unique perspective to concussion rehabilitation as they consider a person’s function within the context of family, daily activities, and community (Finn, 2019). Applying a mixed method exploratory design, this study examined the impact of concussion on collegiate students and recommendations received to manage symptomology to further understand the implication for OT services. Students with history of concussion and healthcare providers were interviewed to understand current protocols for management in one University and community. Ten students completed the survey, and four students, four members from the Office of Student Accessibility and Athletics, and four providers from sports medicine, neurology, and therapy services participated in a semi-structured interview. Descriptive statistics were used to explore correlations between symptomology, impact on function, and recovery. Qualitative data gleaned from interview transcriptions was coded using in vivo coding. Results showed the most common symptoms were headache, decreased concentration, light sensitivity, and dizziness. Recommendations received were to limit activity requiring concentration and activity/exercise that exacerbates symptoms. Within one month, 90% of participants reported full return to activity, academics, athletics, and socialization/leisure, with recovery time shortest for activity and longest for athletics. Themes from provider interviews supported an individualized care plan, but a lack of referral to other team members. Findings support the need for OT referrals and recognition as part of the interprofessional team to allow for support with graded return to life roles, symptom tracking, and education on activity modification.
Finn, C. (2019). An Occupation-Based Approach to Management of Concussion: Guidelines for Practice. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1550
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Concussion basics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/heads-up/about/index.html#:∼:text=A%20concussion%20is%20a%20type%20of%20traumatic%20brain%20injury%E2%80%94or,move%20rapidly%20back%20and%20forth