Concussed students have not fared worse during the pandemic

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A study found that “students who sustained a concussion during the pandemic did not report increased academic concerns or reduced QOL [quality of life] compared to those whose injury was prior to the pandemic.” The study enrolled a nationally representative sample of 141 patients with a mean age of 15 years. Researchers Traci Snedden et al. found “No significant differences…between the ‘Pre-COVID-19’ group versus ‘During COVID-19’ group in symptom resolution, symptom severity scale, or QOL.”

The researchers conclude that the lack of change in academic concerns and QOL “may represent shifted priorities of school administrators, but still adequate support from medical and school-based staff, less academic stress and greater flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic,” or limitations of the study tools.

(Concussion Alliance would like to note that the school environment can be challenging for students with headaches, light and sound sensitivity, or fatigue post-concussion).

The only difference found was who the students reported was the best person to coordinate their support. Compared to the ‘Pre-COVID-19’ group, the ‘During COVID-19’ group had a higher proportion of students reporting that their coach was the “best person to coordinate support;” a lower proportion reported that their principal/assistant principal was the “best person to coordinate support.”

The study, “Comparing Academic Challenges and Quality of Life in Concussed Adolescents Prior to and During the Covid-19 Pandemic,” was presented in poster format at the 2022 PRISM Society meeting. (PRISM is the Pediatric Research in Sport Medicine Society).