Abstract
Background:
Recent literature has shown that between the two sexes, females sustain concussions at a higher rate than males. However, other studies have shown that males take a longer time recover after a concussion than females. Currently, there is limited research done on gender and recovery time in adolescents. Sex is defined as a biological concept that is assigned at birth whereas gender is defined as somebody’s internal self-identification. This study aims to determine if there is a difference in recovery time between genders.
Methods:
Patients diagnosed with a concussion in our sports medicine clinic were prospectively enrolled into a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) repository. 300 patient charts were reviewed. Age, non-binary gender identification, date of injury, first appointment date, and clearance date (Level V) were identified. Post-concussive syndrome (PCS) was also noted. Patients were also recognized if they were lost to follow up. Level of clearance was determined by the 4th International Conference on Concussion in Sports (Zurich 2012) with the following supervised protocol: Level 4: Non-contact training drills, Level 5: Full contact training after medical clearance.
Results:
60% (180/300) of patients were cleared for return to play. 57% (171/180) of patients were cleared for a Level V and 5% (9/180) patients were cleared for a Level IV with gradual return to play. 120 (40%) patients were lost to follow up and not cleared, 60% (73/120) identified as male and 40% (47/120) identified as female. For the patients that were cleared, 67% (121/180) of patients identified as male (mean age=13 years) (range 5 to 18 years) and 33% (59/180) of patients identified as female (mean age=14 years) (range 5 to 20 years). From date of injury to recovery time, male patients were cleared on average after 62 days and female patients were cleared on average after 82 days. There was no significant difference between the two genders identified in this specific population (p=0.17). 14% of females and 15% of males were diagnosed with PCS. From date of injury to first appointment with a physician, male and female patients reported going an average 17 days post injury, with no significant difference (p=0.53).
Conclusion:
Rate of recovery time for patients that sustained a concussion showed no significant difference among genders. Further research is necessary for a comprehensive review of all genders to identify recovery time and appropriate treatment management.