Integrating Neuropsychology Services in a Multidisciplinary Concussion Clinic

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Concussion management requires a multidisciplinary approach.
• Neuropsychology services play a role in concussion assessment and treatment.
• Understanding patient demographics and health status is crucial for optimizing care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the integration of neuropsychology services within a multidisciplinary concussion clinic.
• To provide descriptive data on patient characteristics, services offered, and initial health status.
• To analyze the impact of referral timing on patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive analysis of a consecutive sample of 338 patients (ages 8-84) treated between 2014-2018.
• Utilized the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) to assess physical and mental functioning.
• Compared outcomes for patients seen within 24 days versus after 24 days post-injury.

Main Results:

• Patients seen within 24 days had better physical (40.2) and mental (48.8) functioning compared to those seen later (33.9 and 41.0, respectively).
• Delayed referrals (after 24 days) were associated with longer treatment durations and significantly poorer health outcomes (P < .0001).
• Two-thirds of patients received initial referrals for cervical or vestibular physical therapy.

Conclusions:

• Early referral to specialized concussion care, including neuropsychology, is associated with improved patient functioning.
• Timely intervention in a multidisciplinary setting may mitigate long-term effects of concussion.
• Integrating neuropsychology services enhances comprehensive concussion management.