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The prevalence and management of concussion in patients with head injury have received much attention in the medical literature and lay press. Researchers prospectively assessed the prevalence and patterns of concussive symptoms at 1 month in a convenience sample of 94 patients who presented to two Canadian emergency departments (EDs) after minor head injury (defined as any acute traumatic head injury in a patient with a transient loss of brain function and Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 at presentation).
Overall, 68 patients (72%) reported concussive symptoms at presentation, and 59 (63%) reported persistent concussive symptoms at 1-month follow-up. The most persistent symptoms were headache (42%), dizziness (29%), fatigue (28%), and cognitive impairment (28%).
Cunningham J et al. Concussive symptoms in emergency department patients diagnosed with minor head injury. J Emerg Med 2011 Mar; 40:262.
Comment
Patients who present with minor head injury and concussive symptoms should be informed that symptoms likely will persist for 1 month or longer. Athletes should be advised to avoid both exertion and contact until all symptoms have resolved and they have been cleared to return to playing sports by a physician knowledgeable about sports-related concussion.