Are pre-season reports of neck pain, dizziness and/or headaches risk factors for concussion in male youth ice hockey players?

Abstract

BackgroundConcussion is a commonly encountered injury associated with potential long-term sequelae. No previous studies have evaluated dizziness, neck pain and headache as potential risk factors for concussion.ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to determine the risk of concussion in male youth hockey players with preseason reports of neck pain, headaches and dizziness.DesignThis study is a secondary data analysis of a prospective cohort study examining the risk of injury associated with body checking among paediatric ice hockey players.SettingYouth ice hockey in Alberta and Quebec, Canada.ParticipantsA total of 3902 11–14 year old males from 282 teams participated.Assessment of risk factorsEach participant completed a pre-season baseline demographic and injury history questionnaire. Preseason reports of neck pain, headache or dizziness were documented on the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool.Main outcome measurementsDiagnosed concussions were recorded during the season of play via a previously validated, prospective injury surveillance system.ResultsA total of 178 concussions occurred during the studies, with 11 players sustaining two concussions. Incidence rate ratios were calculated using Poisson regression, adjusted for exposure hours, cluster by team and potential covariates. Dizziness was not a significant predictor of concussion. Individuals reporting a headache or neck pain at the start of the season were 1.48 (95% CI 1.02 to 2.14) and 1.69 (95% CI 1.16 to 2.44) times more likely to suffer a concussion during the season than those not reporting these symptoms. Individuals reporting any two of dizziness, headache and neck pain were 1.99 (95% CI 1.20 to 3.32) times more likely to sustain a concussion.ConclusionMale youth athletes reporting headache or neck pain at baseline were at an increased risk of concussion during the season. From an injury prevention perspective, baseline testing may aid in identifying individuals at a higher risk for concussion.

Doença crônica e dor no Município de São Paulo: prevalência e fatores associados à cefaleia e à dor nas costas

“…FERREIRA et al32 em inquérito de saúde na cidade de Pelotas-RS também encontrou associadas a lombalgia com piores autoavaliações do estado geral de saúde sendo o maior entre os que referiram ruim RP1,6 (IC 95% 1,3-2,1).Os fatores associados com as comorbidades para os dois grupos etários foram: ter tontura, insônia, TMC e cefaleia. Apenas para os adolescentes: ter sinusite e apenas para adultos ter doença da coluna.A relação entre tontura e dor nas costas pode ser vista como a relação de alta prevalência dos dois sintomas71,72 , o uso de medicação para dores tendo como efeito colateral a tontura 73 e a relação com traumas/contusões causados na prática de esportes74 . JANSSENS 71 em 2011, em um estudo com adolescentes americanos e holandeses identificou associação de dor nas costas com atraso no período puberal, cansaço excessivo e tontura.…”