Variability in Symptom Reporting: The Effect of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Post-Concussive Symptom Reporting in Non-Concussed Adults

摘要

OBJECTIVES: Many symptoms associated with concussion are also associated with symptoms related the menstrual cycle, for example headache, nausea, and fatigue. This study sought to investigate the relationship between these symptoms at different points in the menstrual cycle to determine if it is appropriate to compare baseline symptom reports obtained in one menstrual phase with post-concussive symptom reports from another. METHODS: 17 female and 11 male participants recruited from the psychology participant pool were given a measure of post-concussive symptoms (PCSS) and a measure of mood and stress symptoms (DASS). Females were also given a menstrual symptom questionnaire (DSRS). Participants completed the questionnaires on two occasions, two weeks apart. Females completed the questionnaires once during the follic ula r phase of their menstrua l cycle and once during the luteal phase. RESULTS: No significant differences between female and male reports on the PCSS or DASS were found. Symptoms on the DASS were found to decrease over time. PCSS and DSRS scores in females were significantly correlated at both time points, but more strongly correlated during the luteal phase. PCSS scores over time were correlated in male but not female participants. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of significant results indicating an increase in the number and severity of symptoms experienced by females during the luteal phase suggests that there may be no need to control for menstrual phase at baseline. However, given that female PCSS scores were not correlated between times 1 and 2, type of symptoms may vary even if overall number and severity do not.