The primary objective of this randomized controlled superiority trial (RCT) is to examine if 6-week symptom-specific (1. headache, 2. Dizziness and neck pain, 3. sleep disturbance) treatments initiated in the acute/sub-acute stages (1-3 weeks) following concussion in 13-19 year old participants recruited acutely (<2 weeks) following concussion are superior to a generic 6-week multifaceted treatment program. We have two primary outcomes: 1. Post-Concussion Symptom Score (PCSS /132) on the SCAT5 at 6-weeks following initiation of treatment (T3) and 2. Days from injury to physician clearance to return to unrestricted physical activity (e.g., physical education, sport, recreational activities)
Given the rising rates of concussion in youth ages 10-19 and the significant proportion of young people who remain symptomatic for months following concussion, research evaluating the efficacy of multifaceted treatment options following concussion is imperative. Studies examining the efficacy of treatment strategies following concussion in children and adults are surprisingly limited, and most focus on one treatment approach, have small sample sizes, are not randomized controlled trials, and focus on individuals with prolonged recovery (months). There is a need for a multifaceted treatment trial to examine the early implementation of treatment approaches that may reduce prolonged recovery while considering the heterogeneous presentation of symptoms and patient preferences in the sub-acute stage following concussion. Randomized controlled trials that consider a multifaceted transdisciplinary approach to treatment in the early period following concussion are needed to raise the bar regarding evidence-informed management following concussion