Abstract :
[en] Background: Post-concussion sleep disorders are a result of sleep-wake dysfunction. Having an unclear pathogenesis, this alteration varies among patients. Evaluation of sleep disorders after concussion, may improve diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy.
Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on Belgian, French and Swiss patients with 18 to 55 years of age and confirmed diagnosis of concussion, no more than 5 years prior to study. Our survey had 86 questions including demographic information, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Rivermead and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The link to survey was disseminated by publication on many social networks (physiotherapists, physicians, student groups and etc.) via sending emails to Belgian, French and Swiss sport associations (e.g. football, rugby and cycling), coma science group and Department of Physical Medicine –Neuropsychology - Functional revalidation of the University Hospital of Liège.
Results: Finally, 91 (30 males and 61 females) patients completely answered the survey. Mean ESS, PSQI and Rivermead scores were 7.68±4.84, 7.47±3.90 and 16.98±15.28, respectively. More than half (58.2%) of the patients had one, and 38(41.8%) patients had experienced more than one concussion. Sleep disorders were occurred in 20(22%) patients and worsened in 31(34.1%) out of 39(42.9%) patients with prior problems. PSQI score was significantly higher in patients with more than one concussion (8.57±4.10 vs. 6.67±3.58, p=0.019). Females are susceptible to higher Rivermead scores (p<0.001), but not PSQI (p=0.153) or ESS (p=0.063). We realized that PSQI score is significantly correlated with ESS (r=0.371, p<0.001) and Rivermead (r=0.541, p<0.001) scores.
Conclusion: We found that concussion imposes sleep disorders and exacerbates the existing problem. Higher number of concussions affects the PSQI score, but not ESS or Rivermead. Also, Female patients are susceptible to higher Rivermead scores, but not PSQI or ESS.
