A-39 Vestibular And Ocular Motor Symptoms And Impairment Associated With Post-Concussion Anxiety

Abstract

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between vestibular and ocular motor symptoms, impairment and anxiety following sport-related concussion (SRC). Immediate post-injury assessments are predictive of symptoms and are prognostic for prolonged recovery. Although concussion is associated with increased likelihood of developing mental health issues, the relationship between post-concussion vestibular symptoms, impairment and anxiety is unknown. Method This study represented a sub-analysis of a randomized control-trial (RCT), conducted on a sample of 50 participants (40% male), aged 13–18 ([M] = 15.38, [SD] = 2.05) years within 7–21 days of a SRC between October 2018 and January 2020. Participants completed the Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) and General Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) at initial visit, and 2 and 4 week follow-ups. Patients were categorized using GAD-7 scores as having mild, moderate or severe anxiety. Results Numerous positive correlations ranging from .28 to .52 among VOMS and GAD-7 scores were supported. The severe (99.6, 26.6) anxiety group scored highest on total VOMS followed by the moderate (76.5, 30.1), and mild (63.1, 45.9) anxiety groups (p = .006). Results of logistic regression indicated that total VOMS score was a significant predictor of GAD-7 generalized anxiety score (R = .389, r2 = .151 p = .001). Conclusions Higher scores on VOMS were associated with higher post-injury anxiety. Participants with higher VOMS scores following SRC may be at increased risk for developing anxiety symptoms. The current findings can help clinicians target concussion treatment to each specific patient based on their VOMS and GAD-7 scores in combination, rather than in isolation.