Symptoms and Vestibular Screening in Pediatric Concussion

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Purpose: Children under age 11 participate in sports with a risk of concussion. Tools are limited for assessment. Clinicians rely on exam for management and return to play. Researchers have started assessment adaptation: Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-5 Child (SCAT-5 Child) (Davis et al., 2017) and Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) (Mucha et al., 2014). The purpose of this study was to compare scores on components of the SCAT-5 Child, Pediatric VOMS, and SCAT-5 Parent. Methods Method: Participants included 59 children (M-33/26-F) aged 5-10 (7.50±1.17) within 30 days from concussion. Participants completed the SCAT-5 Child, SCAT-5 parent, and Pediatric VOMS at all visits. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate population characteristics. Paired t-tests were used to compare measures. Results Results: 42.6% (n=25) reported symptoms on VOMS at first visit. Only 10.0% reported symptom on VOMS (p=.003) at second visit. VOMS scores were improved across visits (p=.003). Participants reported decreases in symptom severity (p<.001) and number (p<.001) on the SCAT-5 Child across visits. Parents reported decreases in symptom severity (p=.009) and number (p=.005). Both children (p=.001) and parents (p=.001) reported significant increases in BTN% across visits. Participants and parent reported similar scores in number of symptoms, severity, and BTN% on the SCAT-5 at both visits. Conclusion Conclusions: Results demonstrate the Pediatric VOMS assessment is useful to evaluate vestibular/ocular impairment. The SCAT-5 Child and Parent do not evaluate these areas. Symptom ratings decrease and are similar between parent and child, indicating this measure remains consistent across reporters. Findings highlight needed expansion of clinical assessments and research in pediatrics.