AMSSM Home
AMSSM On FaceBook AMSSM On Twitter AMSSM On Linkedin
 

Recurrent Symptoms Following Sport-related Concussion In A High School Wrestler - Page #3
 

Lab Studies:
No laboratory studies were obtained.

Other Studies:
Concussion assessment was performed at three clinic visits. The assessment battery included the Symptom Severity Score, the Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC), the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), and the Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS).

In November 2024, symptom severity score was 21 across 13 of 27 symptoms. SAC was normal, BESS was abnormal, and VOMS provoked symptoms with horizontal eye movements.

In December 2024, symptom severity score improved to 4 across 4. SAC remained normal, BESS normalized, and VOMS provoked symptoms with both vertical and horizontal eye movements.

In February 2025, symptom severity score increased to 13 across 7 symptoms. SAC became abnormal, BESS was again abnormal, and VOMS was normal.

The presence of recurrent symptoms and worsening cognitive and balance testing in the absence of new trauma prompted evaluation for an alternative diagnosis.

Case Photo #2 Plain radiographs of the cervical spine demonstrated loss of the normal intervertebral disc space at C2-C3 with apparent continuity of the vertebral bodies, concerning for congenital vertebral fusion.

Case Photo #1 Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed complete congenital fusion of the C2 and C3 vertebral bodies without an identifiable intervertebral disc. No spinal cord compression, cord signal abnormality, or adjacent segment instability was identified.

Consultations:
The patient was evaluated by Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Orthopedic Spine specialists following MRI confirmation of congenital C2-C3 fusion.

Both consultants independently reviewed the imaging and clinical presentation and advised against participation in contact and collision sports because of the potential risk of neurologic injury at adjacent cervical motion segments.

Click here to continue. Challenge yourself by writing down a revised, working 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.
 

UPCOMING EVENTS


_________________________________

11/19-11/22/2026
2026 AMSSM/OHSU Introductory &/or Diagnostic/Interventional Sports US Course

_________________________________

12/04-12/06/2026
2026 Advanced Team Physician Course

_________________________________

4/16-4/21/2027
2027 AMSSM Annual Meeting

FIND A SPORTS DOC

Please enter a search term relevant to the search type. For US States - use only letter abbreviations.

Choose Search Type

Zip Code: 

 Choose Search Radius: 

© 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