Differing clinical characteristics among individuals with concussions sustained at work, in motor vehicle collisions, and sport

Purpose: To compare clinical characteristics in patients with concussions sustained by prevalent, but understudied, mechanisms (work-related concussion [WRC] and motor vehicle collision [MVC]-related concussion) to sport-related concussion (SRC).

Methods: Retrospective review of 281 electronic medical records from an outpatient concussion clinic. Time since injury (days), duration of care (days), amount of care (number of visits), and perceived health (Short-Form 12) were collected.

Results: The time between injury and clinic presentation was significantly greater in WRC and MVC-related concussion compared to SRC. These groups were also older, had a longer duration of care, required more referrals for outside clinical services, and reported worse perceived mental and physical health versus SRC.

Conclusion: These results suggest that clinical courses may be significantly different for individuals with SRC, WRC and MVC-related concussion, and that different management approaches and expectations may be necessary for these groups. Further research is indicated.