The Effect of Screen Time on Recovery From Concussion

Theodore Macnow125 enrolled

Overview

This study will prospectively examine the effect of screen time on recovery from concussion. Patients 12 to 25 years of age presenting to the ED with a concussion will be randomized to allow for screen time as tolerated or to abstain from screen time for the first 48 hours of recovery. The amount of screen time use and duration of concussive symptoms will be assessed through daily surveys and a daily post-concussive symptom score (PCSS).

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

125

Conditions

Concussion, Brain

Interventions

Screen time permittedBEHAVIORAL

Cohort will not be directed to abstain from screen time

Screen Time AbstainBEHAVIORAL

Cohort will be directed to abstain from screen time

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 12 YearsMax age: 25 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals presenting to the emergency department with a traumatic head injury sustained in the last 24 hours and diagnosed concussion as defined by Acute Concussion Evaluation tool (ACE-ED) * Between 12 and 25.99 years of age * English-speaking * Subject (and parent/guardian when applicable) is able and willing to provide informed consent and assent * pregnant women, Exclusion Criteria: * individuals who have a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13 or less; * have brain abnormalities on imaging; * have severe preexisting neurological conditions; * a concussion diagnosed within the last 2 weeks; * have significant developmental delay; * are intoxicated; * require neurosurgical intervention, intubation, or hospital admission * individuals who do not meet the age criteria; * non-English speaking; * prisoners; * unable or unwilling to provide informed consent; * Are under the age of 18 and do not have a parent/guardian with them who is willing and able to consent.

Locations (1)

UMass Memorial Medical Center

Worcester, Massachusetts, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Duration of concussive symptoms

The average number of days from initial concussion diagnosis until participant has a Post Concussive Symptom Scale Score (PCSS) of less than 7

Time frame: From date of randomization until PCSS of less than 7 is achieved or up to 10 days, whichever comes first.

Secondary Outcomes

Number of specific symptoms (Day 1-3)

The average total number of symptoms as reported on the Post Concussive Symptom Scale (PCSS) by participant.

Time frame: Day 1 to day 3

Number of specific symptoms each day (Day 4-10)

The average total number of symptoms as reported on the Post Concussive Symptom Scale (PCSS) by participant.

Time frame: Day 4 to day 10

Severity of specific symptoms (Day 1-3)

The average severity of symptoms as reported on the Post Concussive Symptom Scale (PCSS) by participant.

Time frame: Day 1 to day 3

Severity of specific symptoms (Day 4-10)

The average severity of symptoms as reported daily by participant on the Post Concussive Symptom Scale (PCSS) by participant.

Time frame: Day 4 to day 10

Amount of screen time use

Average minutes of screen time (video games, television, computer, smartphone) as self-reported by participant on questionnaire.

Time frame: Randomization to 48 hours.

Days until return to school/work and sports

The average number of days until the participant is able to return to routine activities such as school/work and sports as self-reported on questionnaire.

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.