Orthostatic Tachycardia in Children With and Without Persisting Post-concussion Symptoms Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Prospective Controlled Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Twenty five percent of children who sustain a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or concussion experience persisting post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). The symptoms of PPCS significantly overlap with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). We aimed to review the literature and investigate the prevalence of POTS in children and adolescents recovering from mTBI. METHODS: This single centre controlled cross-sectional cohort study recruited children (aged 8-18 years inclusive) diagnosed with mTBI in the emergency department. At 4-6 weeks postinjury, children completed the Active Stand Test. The primary outcome was change in heart rate alongside clinical symptoms consistent with POTS. RESULTS: A total of 113 participants (64 PPCS, 24 mTBI with no clinical symptoms [asymptomatic], and 25 healthy controls) of similar age (mean 13.9 years) and sex (n = 55 [48.7%] male) underwent orthostatic testing. There were no significant group differences in heart rate or blood pressure at baseline, or within 10 minutes of standing. Three (4.8%) symptomatic participants satisfied POTS diagnostic criteria, compared to 0 asymptomatic and one (4.2%) control participant. CONCLUSIONS: Using the Active Stand Test, a small proportion of children with PPCS satisfied clinical POTS criteria. Although it should be considered in the differential diagnosis, POTS is not common nor overrepresented in PPCS.