Atypical Post-concussion Symptoms In A Young Adult Female Soccer Player - Page #1
 

Author: Matthew Silvis, MD
Co Author #1: Michael Plakke, BS

Patient Presentation:
A 19 year old female suffered a closed head injury while playing collegiate soccer after being struck in the temple with a ball. After a brief loss of consciousness, she experienced headache, nausea, and vomiting. She was brought to the emergency department and an initial head CT was normal. She was held in the hospital overnight for observation. The next morning she was discharged with a diagnosis of posttraumatic headache with vestibulopathy.

History:
At a follow-up with her family physician several days later, she complained of continued nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, photophobia, vertigo, tremulousness, and insomnia. Atypical post-concussion symptoms developed over the next several months. These included right-sided foot drop and intermittent ataxia. Proper imaging was ordered and neurology was consulted.

Physical Exam:
On initial physical exam, her vital signs showed no abnormalities. There were no cranial nerve deficits, negative Lhermitte's sign, and normal motor strength and reflexes. Positive findings included decreased sensation to pinprick in her left hand, a positive Romberg sign, and a gait abnormality characterized by the right-sided foot drop.

Click here to continue. Challenge yourself by writing down a broad differential diagnosis before moving to the next slide.


NOTE: For more information, please contact the AMSSM, 4000 W. 114th Street, Suite 100, Leawood, KS 66211 (913) 327-1415.
 

© The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine
4000 W. 114th Street, Suite 100
Leawood, KS 66211
Phone: 913.327.1415


Website created by the computer geek