Living With Post-Concussion Syndrome: A Case Study of Former Student- Athletes With Post-Concussion Syndrome

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the experiences of former athletes’ relation to concussions and addressing any gaps in the knowledge about Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS). Also, to explore different perspectives of former athletes that have been diagnosed recently versus those who have cumulated years of concussions. Background: Concussions have been prevailing for over two decades and are common in sports. The complications and inadequate care of concussions have led to prolonged concussion recovery, which eventually leads to Post-Concussion Syndrome. While there are clear evidence-based guidelines about concussions, PCS has been a highly debated and questioned entity with very limited research done on the experience of those with PCS. Research indicates that PCS symptoms persist over weeks or months and lack a clinically accepted definition which leaves the evaluating and initiate treatment to patients. Design/Methods: Participants were recruited via purposive sampling and agreed to be a part of this study. Two NCAA collegiate athletes recently graduated (within the last five years) and two former NCAA college athletes who continued their athletic career in becoming professional. All four participants have experienced long term symptoms throughout their careers. The four participants were interviewed using qualitative open-ended interview questions that focused on treatment and symptomology (e.g., somatic, cognitive, sleep, and emotional). A case-based research study was conducted to analyze the experiences of former athletes who have faced the detriments of post-concussive long-term symptoms throughout their careers. Results: The current study utilized thematic analysis to capture the importance of the data in relation to the research findings. Researchers, also addressed the Inter-rater reliability that focused on the consistency of agreement between the two coders. The overall score was 85%. Conclusion: Understanding, assessing experiences of former student-athletes that provided knowledge for future literature surrounding post-concussion syndrome