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Number, Intensity, and Degree of Concussion Symptoms Determine Severity, Says Dr. Robert Cantu

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The severity of a concussion, says Dr. Robert Cantu, is measured by the:

  • duration of symptoms: how long the post-concussion signs and symptoms lasted;
  • number of symptoms: how many of the twenty-five symptoms were present; and
  • degree: whether the symptoms experienced were mild, moderate or severe.
Update: A 2013 study appears to support Dr. Cantu. See Meehan W, Straccioloni A, Elbin R, Collins M. Symptom Severity Predicts Prolonged Recovery after Sport-Related Concussion, but Age and Amnesia Do Not. J Pediatrics 2013;DOI 10.1016/j.jpeds.2013.03.012.