The incidence and severity of symptoms similiar to peristing concussion symptoms in neurologically healthy individuals in aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

The non-specificity of persisting concussion symptoms (PCS) following concussion can make treatment and rehabilitation a complex and challenging endeavour for clinicians. International studies have demonstrated that in neurologically healthy individuals similar symptoms also exist. This study aimed to examine the presence and frequency of symptoms similar to PCS in neurologically healthy adults in Aotearoa New Zealand and compare these to PCS following concussion. 252 neurologically healthy adults (34.22 years); completed the Rivermead Post-Concussion Questionnaire (RPQ). Scores on this measure were evaluated and compared with 146 individuals who were at least three months post-injury (34.62 years). 25.79% (n = 65) of the neurologically healthy individuals had scores on the RPQ of ≥16. Fatigue was the most commonly endorsed symptom (67.9%), followed by sleep disturbances (59.9%). Certain demographic factors (age, education history and gender) were associated with higher endorsement but only on specific symptoms. The concussion group had significantly higher scores on the RPQ and significantly more individuals with PCS. However, at the individual item level, just over half of PCS symptoms were significantly higher in the concussion group. These symptoms were predominately neurological, with only forgetfulness and irritability significantly different between the concussion and neurologically healthy groups. Symptoms similar to PCS are prevalent in neurologically healthy individuals in Aotearoa New Zealand. The implications of these findings on the rehabilitation and management of PCS are discussed.