A Journal of Athletic Training study found delayed treatment for concussions could prolong recovery, as reported by HealthDay.
Lead study author Breton Asken, graduate student in the clinical psychology program at the University of Florida in Gainesville, and colleagues reviewed medical records of 97 male and female UF athletes diagnosed with a sport-related concussion between 2008 and 2015.
Here are five points:
1. More than half of the athletes did not immediately report their concussion symptoms.
2. After taking into account other factors that could prolong recovery, the investigators found athletes who delayed reporting a concussion still took an average of 4.9 more days to resume playing compared to those who immediately reported concussion symptoms.
3. Athletes who delayed reporting were also more than twice as likely to have a prolonged recovery — eight or more days — compared to those who stopped playing their sport immediately.
4. Mr. Asken suggests there are several reasons why players would delay in reporting their symptoms, including some athletes may not associate symptoms such as headache or nausea with a concussion.
5. Mr. Asken said education can help boost the number of athletes who report concussions immediately.