Patient Characteristics and Symptom Burden in Concussions: A Retrospective Analysis
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Suzanne Oppenheimer, College of Western Idaho; Naida Dillion, St. Luke's Health System; Dr. Hilary Flint, St. Luke's Health System; and Dr. Kurt Nilsson, St. Luke's Health System
Presentation Date
7-15-2026
Abstract
Concussion, a form of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), is a common condition that can result in a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Many individuals can recover within weeks, symptom burden and recovery can vary substantially based on patient and injury characteristics. Understanding factors associated with concussion symptoms and recovery may improve patient management and outcomes.
This retrospective study utilized data from 1,881 patients evaluated at the St. Luke’s Concussion Clinic between January 2020 and December 2023. Variables included age, mechanism of injury, Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) scores, history of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), history of learning disabilities, medication use, and number of clinic visits. Mechanism of injuries were categorized as motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports-related injuries, assaults, or other causes.
The purpose of this study was to characterize the patient population seen within a specialty concussion clinic and explore relationships between demographic factors, injury characteristics, and symptom burden. Findings from this work may contribute to a better understanding of concussion presentation and recovery patterns and help guide future investigations into factors influencing concussion outcomes.
Patient Characteristics and Symptom Burden in Concussions: A Retrospective Analysis
Concussion, a form of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), is a common condition that can result in a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Many individuals can recover within weeks, symptom burden and recovery can vary substantially based on patient and injury characteristics. Understanding factors associated with concussion symptoms and recovery may improve patient management and outcomes.
This retrospective study utilized data from 1,881 patients evaluated at the St. Luke’s Concussion Clinic between January 2020 and December 2023. Variables included age, mechanism of injury, Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) scores, history of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), history of learning disabilities, medication use, and number of clinic visits. Mechanism of injuries were categorized as motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports-related injuries, assaults, or other causes.
The purpose of this study was to characterize the patient population seen within a specialty concussion clinic and explore relationships between demographic factors, injury characteristics, and symptom burden. Findings from this work may contribute to a better understanding of concussion presentation and recovery patterns and help guide future investigations into factors influencing concussion outcomes.