Differing clinical characteristics among individuals with concussions sustained at work, in motor vehicle collisions, and sport.

PURPOSE

To compare clinical characteristics in patients with concussions sustained by prevalent, but understudied, mechanisms (work-related concussion [WRC] and motor vehicle collision [MVC]-related concussion) to sport-related concussion (SRC).

METHODS

Retrospective review of 281 electronic medical records from an outpatient concussion clinic. Time since injury (days), duration of care (days), amount of care (number of visits), and perceived health (Short-Form 12) were collected.

RESULTS

The time between injury and clinic presentation was significantly greater in WRC and MVC-related concussion compared to SRC. These groups were also older, had a longer duration of care, required more referrals for outside clinical services, and reported worse perceived mental and physical health versus SRC.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that clinical courses may be significantly different for individuals with SRC, WRC and MVC-related concussion, and that different management approaches and expectations may be necessary for these groups. Further research is indicated.