A-23 Neurorehabilitation of Equestrians with Post-Concussive Syndrome Decreases Symptom Severity

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: The literature shows the risk of concussion for equestrians is equivalent to or greater than athletes in contact sports with approximately half of all equestrians reporting one or more concussions in their career. Despite this, the majority of equestrians do not receive care for their concussion which can lead to chronic neuropsychological symptoms and post-concussion syndrome. Methods: A neurorehabilitation clinic treated 6 equestrians, 100% female with an average age of 40.5 years (+/−9.5), with post-concussion syndrome following head injuries received while riding. A 5-day, multi-modal neurorehabilitation program was administered in 10 one-hour treatment sessions. Each session consisted of a patient-specific combination of photobiomodulation, repetitive peripheral somatosensory stimuli, neuromuscular reeducation, vestibular rehabilitation, orthoptic exercises, cognitive exercises, and/or off-vertical axis rotation utilizing a multi-axis rotational chair. Results: On intake, average overall symptom severity score of the SCAT5 graded symptom checklist was 44.17 (+/−23.90), and average severity of emotional domain symptoms (Nervousness/Anxiety, Irritability, Sadness, More Emotional) was 6.67 (+/−4.80). On exit, the average emotional domain symptom severity score decreased by 67.50% (2.17 +/−2.14) while the average total symptom severity score decreased by 57.74% (18.67 +/−14.60). Conclusions: The results show that neurorehabilitation was beneficial at decreasing overall symptom severity in equestrians with post-concussion syndrome, especially symptoms within the emotional domain. The authors suggest further research be performed with a more diverse and larger population and further concussion education be provided to equestrians to promote seeking care following a head injury.