Table 5 Frequency and proportion of correct responses to concussion knowledge index items
Concussion Knowledge Index (CKI) item | Frequency (%) |
|---|---|
Section 1 (Statements – True / False) | |
There is a possible risk of death if a second concussion occurs before the first one has healed. | 175 (90.7%) |
People who have had one concussion are more likely to have another concussion. | 173 (89.6%) |
In order to be diagnosed with a concussion, you have to be knocked out. | 191 (99.0%) |
A concussion can only occur if there is a direct hit to the head. | 157 (81.3%) |
Being knocked unconscious always causes permanent damage to the brain. | 132 (68.4%) |
Symptoms of a concussion can last for several weeks. | 190 (98.4%) |
Sometimes a second concussion can help a person remember things that were forgotten after the first concussion. | 172 (89.1%) |
After a concussion occurs, brain imaging (e.g., CAT Scan, MRI, X-Ray, etc.) typically shows visible physical damage (e.g., bruise, blood clot) to the brain. | 59 (30.6%) |
If you receive one concussion and you have never had a concussion before, you will become less intelligent. | 186 (96.4%) |
After 10 days, symptoms of a concussion are usually completely gone. | 79 (40.9%) |
After a concussion, people can forget who they are and not recognize others but be perfect in every other way. | 55 (28.5%) |
Concussions can sometimes lead to emotional disruptions. | 187 (96.9%) |
An athlete who gets knocked out after getting a concussion is experiencing a coma. | 38 (19.7%) |
There is rarely a risk to long-term health and well-being from multiple concussions. | 171 (88.6%) |
Section 2 (Scenarios – True / False) | |
Scenario 1: While playing in a game, Player Q and Player X collide with each other and each suffers a concussion. Player Q has never had a concussion in the past. Player X has had 4 concussions in the past. | |
It is likely that Player Q’s concussion will affect his long-term health and well-being. | 121 (62.7%) |
It is likely that Player X’s concussion will affect his long-term health and well-being. | 177 (91.7%) |
Scenario 2: Player F suffered a concussion in a game. She continued to play in the same game despite the fact that she continued to feel the effects of the concussion. | |
Even though Player F is still experiencing the effects of the concussion, her performance will be the same as it would be had she not suffered a concussion. | 175 (90.7%) |
Section 5 (Symptom recognition – Check all that apply) | |
Headache | 184 (95.3%) |
Sensitivity to light | 171 (88.6%) |
Difficulty remembering | 173 (89.6%) |
Drowsiness | 141 (73.1%) |
Feeling in a “fog” | 184 (95.3%) |
Feeling slowed down | 154 (79.8%) |
Difficulty concentrating | 178 (92.2%) |
Dizziness | 183 (94.8%) |