A-16 More than Total Symptom Severity: Identifying Subtypes of Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms using Normative Data

Abstract Objective: Prior factor analyses have supported the multidimensionality of post-concussion symptoms, but symptom total score is often interpreted alone in practice. This study examined added value norm-referenced subscales to detect different subtypes presentations following concussion. Method: Adolescent student-athletes (N = 1008; 15.3 ± 1.4 years-old; 66.7% boys) with one or more prior concussions, at least 6 months post injury, completed Post-Concussion Symptom Scale preseason baseline. Severity ratings on four (i.e., cognitive, sleep-arousal, physical, and affective) were compared normative data matched gender preexisting health conditions. The frequencies which participants elevated calculated. Results: In sample, 21% only subscale, 11% two subscales, 8% three 6% subscales. Among a single all domains had similar elevation. No differences elevations found based number concussions. Conclusion(s): A single-domain elevation was most common presentation among cohort adolescent student-athletes, 26% subscale not score. These findings indicate that there are would be missed through an interpretation severity alone.