Dizziness is a frequent complaint after concussion but is nonspecific and is often reported as either lightheadedness or vertigo. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of post-concussive lightheadedness, and to determine its relationship to overall symptom duration.
METHODSThis prospective, cohort study included patients, ages nine to 19 years, with a history of concussion during the prior 30 days. Subjects completed two symptom questionnaires, one at the time of the concussion and then another on the day of evaluation. Subjects rated the severity of 23 post-concussion symptoms, including lightheadedness and vertigo.
RESULTSThe 510 subjects had a mean age of 13.9 years and a mean interval from concussion to evaluation of 9.7 days. From the day of injury, more subjects recalled a sensation of lightheadedness (70.8%) than of vertigo (48.6%) (P<0.001). At clinic evaluation, more subjects also reported lightheadedness (47.1%) than vertigo (24.1%) (P<0.001). Mean symptom ratings for both lightheadedness and vertigo improved from injury to evaluation. Post-concussive symptom duration was influenced by reports of dizziness/fogginess, including lightheadedness (P＝0.028). The duration of post-concussive symptoms was greater among females (P＝0.04) and among those with emotional symptoms recalled from the date of concussion (P＝0.028), dizziness/fogginess, symptoms which include lightheadedness (P＝0.007) and cephalalgic symptoms reported on the day of the evaluation (P<0.001)．
CONCLUSIONLight headedness is more frequently reported than vertigo after concussion. Lightheadedness, along with vertigo and balance difficulties, are associated with a longer duration of overall postconcussive symptoms.