Association of time to initial clinic visit with prolonged recovery in pediatric patients with concussion

Despite patients in the early presentation group presenting with more positive VOMS scores, the early presentation group recovered sooner than patients in the late presentation group. Even after controlling for vestibular dysfunction, history of headache or migraine, and total symptom severity, days to first visit remained the most robust predictor of recovery > 30 days. These findings suggest that early, specialized medical care and intervention for children and adolescents with recent concussion is associated with normal recovery time. Clinicians should educate children and parents on the potential importance of early treatment to improve the odds of positive outcomes following concussion.