A - 32 Concussion Symptom Network Analysis Comparisons Into Recovery

Abstract Purpose Network analysis comparisons on concussion symptoms show network structure changes exist from baseline to acute post-concussion, suggesting concussion alters symptom interactions. However, a follow-up assessment has not been included in these comparisons to determine if symptom relationship differences remain into recovery. The current study conducted comparisons between Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) networks at baseline and acute post-concussion with a recovery assessment to determine whether network differences remain or return to the baseline characteristics. Method High school athletes (n = 1256; Mage =14.7, SDage = 1.00; 38.1% girls at baseline) completed the PCSS in English at baseline (only valid included), acute post-concussion (within 72 hours post-injury), and recovery (~2 weeks post-injury). Athletes were excluded if they endorsed history of neurodevelopmental disorder, brain surgery, or concussion or treatment for migraines, epilepsy, meningitis, psychiatric disorders, and alcohol/substance use. Network analyses on PCSS scores were conducted for each assessment; Network Comparison Tests compared the networks on connectivity (global strength) and structure (edge weight distribution). Results The recovery PCSS network’s structure did not significantly differ from baseline (M = 0.222, p = 0.525) or acute post-concussion (M = 0.201, p = 0.058). The recovery network’s overall connectivity was significantly greater than baseline (S = 2.24, p = 0.002) and acute post-concussion (S = 1.75, p = 0.001). Conclusions While PCSS network structure changes observed at acute post-concussion return to the baseline structure in recovery, overall connectivity between symptoms is heightened, suggesting symptom interactions remain altered up to 2 weeks post-concussion. Future research should conduct comparisons with more generalizable samples based on pre-existing characteristics and include data on psychosocial factors to determine if they moderate the results found.