A - 01 Differences in Recovery among Acutely Injured Pediatric Concussion Patients with and without Cervicogenic Symptoms

While previous research has demonstrated that cervicogenic symptoms may affect initial symptom burden, mixed findings exist regarding its effects on recovery time. The purpose of this study was to compare acutely injured pediatric sports-related concussion (SRC) patients, with and without cervicogenic symptoms, in terms of symptom burden, vestibular ocular motor components, and recovery time. Data were gathered from patients aged 8–18 years, evaluated within seven days since injury, and with and without cervicogenic symptoms. Demographic data were examined based on age, gender, race, and ethnicity. The neck and suboccipital regions were assessed for range of motion, tenderness, and spasm. Overall VOMS change score was calculated using Elbin et al., 2022 criteria. Symptom burden was assessed using Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) scores. Analysis of variance and regression analyses were conducted. Of the 2018 pediatric patients diagnosed with SRC, 552 had cervicogenic symptoms. Those with cervicogenic symptoms had significantly greater PCSS scores (MCervical = 35.50¬ ± 23.50, MNoCervical = 21.70¬ ± 20.80), overall VOMS change scores (MCervical = 17.90¬ ± 17.40, MNoCervical = 12.00¬ ± 15.30) and longer recovery time (MCervical = 22.90¬ ± 13.90, MNoCervical = 20.0¬ ± 14.60) compared to those without cervicogenic symptoms (p < 0.001). The model revealed a significant interaction effect between cervicogenic symptoms, VOMS, and PCSS (R2 = 0.128, F(3, 1898) = 93.49, p < 0.001). Our results showed that pediatric patients with cervicogenic symptoms not only demonstrate greater concussion symptom burden as demonstrated by PCSS and VOMS, but also take longer to recover than those without cervicogenic concerns. The results underscore the need for early detection and treatment of cervicogenic issues alongside standard concussion management to expedite recovery.