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A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
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Disparities in concussion diagnoses compared to ankle injuries
William A Marmor1, Kathryn D McElheny1, Ryan J Lingor1
1Sports Medicine Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA.
PM & R : the Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation
|February 22, 2022
Summary
Racial and ethnic minorities, including Hispanic, Asian, and Black/African American individuals, were less likely to seek concussion care compared to those with ankle injuries. Addressing these disparities is crucial for equitable healthcare access and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Disparities Research
- Trauma Care
Background:
- Health disparities in concussion care access have been noted for minority populations.
- Mitigating barriers to concussion care is a significant public health objective due to the condition's impact on function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate racial and ethnic disparities in seeking concussion care.
- To compare concussion patients with a control group of orthopedic ankle injuries (sprains and fractures).
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study was conducted using electronic medical records from February 2016 to December 2020.
- 10,312 patients with International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes for concussion, ankle sprain, or ankle fracture were analyzed.
- Patients were stratified by demographics including race, ethnicity, sex, and insurance type.
Main Results:
- The concussion group was younger and had fewer females than the ankle injury groups.
- Hispanic, Asian, and Black/African American patients were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with a concussion compared to ankle injuries.
- Patients with Medicaid/Medicare or self-pay insurance were more likely to be in the concussion group than those with private insurance.
Conclusions:
- Disparities in concussion diagnosis exist across different demographic groups when compared to ankle injuries.
- Targeted interventions focusing on patient and caregiver education are recommended to mitigate these disparities in concussion care.
