Gender Differences in Concussion and Post-Injury Cognitive Findings in an Older and Younger Pediatric Population

Publication date: Available online 9 February 2017
Source:Pediatric Neurology
Author(s): S.R. Tanveer, N. Zecavati, E.B. Delasobera, T.O. Oyegbile
BackgroundRecent studies have reported gender differences associated with concussion. The purpose of this study was to determine if these gender differences are also noted within a pediatric population.Study DesignThis prospective study analyzed 1971 patients who had completed pre-concussion and post-concussion neuropsychological testing within the Washington, DC area.Main FindingsOur results showed that children and adolescents with concussion exhibit gender differences with respect to risk factors, recovery, and symptomatology. Females are more likely to present with a concussion (p<0.001), experience more discomfort from a concussion (p<0.001), and seek treatment for post-concussive headaches (p<0.001). On the other hand, males are more likely to sustain a concussion from a contact sport (p<0.001) and experience loss of consciousness, confusion and amnesia with a concussion more frequently than females (p<0.001). Post-concussive cognitive function also differs by gender. Both males and females exhibit decline in cognitive testing compared to baseline (p<0.001); however, visual memory (p = 0.02) is more affected in females than males. These findings remain unchanged among pediatric patients age ≥14; however, no gender differences were noted in individuals age ≤13 years.ConclusionBased on these results, it is important for health care providers, schools, athletic trainers and coaches to be aware of these gender differences associated with sustaining a concussion, in order to provide adequate surveillance and appropriate monitoring and support during the recovery period.



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