More medical complaints prior to concussion may increase recovery time: 4 observations

Orthopedic Sports Medicine

Athletes with aches and pains caused by no known physical cause before concussions may experience longer recovery periods following concussions, according to Science Codex. These medical complaints are called psychosomatic symptoms, indicating psychological distress manifesting as physical illness.

Milwaukee-based Medical College of Wisconsin researchers tested balance, memory skills, psychological problems and psychosomatic problems in 2,055 high school athletes and college athletes, before and after sports' seasons.

 

Neurology published the study.

 

Here are four observations:

 

1. Of the athletes, 127 experienced concussions. The researchers analyzed these athletes 24 hours, eight days, 15 days and 45 days after injury.

 

2. Most concussion symptoms lasted five days. Of the concussed athletes, 64 percent reported their symptoms were gone after one week. Ninety-five percent reported no symptoms at one month.

 

3. Following concussion, the athletes who reported pre-injury psychosomatic symptoms experienced longer recovery times (20 days of recovery) than those athletes who did not report pre-injury psychosomatic symptoms (10 days of recovery).

 

4. The researchers conclude their findings will help with developing early interventions for patients who are at-risk for prolong recovery following concussions.

 

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