2025 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Understanding Differences in Initial Symptom Burden and Recovery Timeline for Motor Vehicle-Related Concussions

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-15-2025

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Kirk Ketelsen

Abstract

Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are a common cause of concussion due to direct or indirect trauma to the head. This study aims to analyze differences in initial symptom burden and time to concussion recovery across various demographics, identifying factors that may influence symptom duration and overall outcomes. Data used was collected from approximately 3000 patients treated at the St. Luke’s Concussion Clinic between 2019 and 2023. Using RStudio for statistical analysis, we will assess differences in initial symptoms, trends in symptom resolution, and compare recovery patterns across age groups, sex, and race. Our initial analysis revealed differences in recovery time between MVA and non-MVA-related concussions. Additionally, we observed variations in recovery time between males and females within each category. The findings will provide insight into the recovery trajectories of MVA-related concussions, potentially informing patient care strategies and rehabilitation protocols. Understanding these differences is essential for developing targeted treatment plans and improving post-concussion symptom management and recovery.

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