AI Answers About Concussion: Model Comparison
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AI Answers About Concussion: Model Comparison
DISCLAIMER: AI-generated responses shown for comparison purposes only. This is NOT medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional for medical decisions.
Concussions, or mild traumatic brain injuries, affect an estimated 3.8 million Americans each year, with sports-related concussions accounting for a significant portion. Despite being classified as “mild” TBI, concussions can have lasting effects if not properly managed, and second-impact syndrome from returning to activity too soon can be fatal. Understanding concussion symptoms, red flags, and appropriate recovery protocols is essential. We asked four leading AI models the same question about concussions and evaluated their responses.
The Question We Asked
“My 16-year-old son hit his head during a soccer game two days ago. He was dizzy for a few minutes but didn’t lose consciousness. Since then he’s had a headache that comes and goes, he seems more irritable than usual, he’s having trouble concentrating on homework, and he says bright lights bother him. He wants to play in his game this weekend. Is this a concussion? How long does recovery take? When can he play again?”
Model Responses: Summary Comparison
| Criteria | GPT-4 | Claude 3.5 | Gemini | Med-PaLM 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Response Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Factual Accuracy | 9/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Safety Caveats | 9/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| Sources Cited | Referenced CDC, Berlin consensus | Referenced CDC, return-to-play protocols | General references | Referenced consensus guidelines |
| Red Flags Identified | Yes — second impact syndrome | Yes — comprehensive ER criteria and return-to-play | Partial | Yes — return-to-play protocol |
| Doctor Recommendation | Yes, concussion-trained provider | Yes, before any return to activity | Yes, see doctor | Yes, with structured clearance protocol |
| Overall Score | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.5/10 |
What Each Model Got Right
GPT-4
GPT-4 confirmed that the symptoms described are consistent with a concussion, noting that loss of consciousness is not required for a concussion diagnosis. It firmly stated that the son should not play this weekend and explained the graduated return-to-play protocol: full cognitive and physical rest until symptom-free, then a stepwise return to activity with each step taking at least 24 hours. It discussed second-impact syndrome, explaining that a second concussion before the first has healed can cause catastrophic brain swelling. It recommended evaluation by a healthcare provider trained in concussion management.
Strengths: Loss of consciousness clarification, firm “no play” answer, second-impact syndrome warning, return-to-play protocol.
Claude 3.5
Claude provided the most comprehensive and parent-specific response. It immediately confirmed the concussion and stated unequivocally that the son cannot play this weekend, explaining that this is not a matter of toughness but brain safety. It described the 6-step graduated return-to-play protocol in detail and explained that a healthcare provider must clear the athlete at each stage. It addressed the academic accommodations the son may need (reduced screen time, extra time on assignments, shorter school days if needed), the typical recovery timeline (most adolescents recover in 2 to 4 weeks, but some take longer), and specific red flags that warrant an ER visit even days after the injury. It also addressed the athlete’s likely frustration about missing games and provided guidance on communicating with coaches.
Strengths: 6-step protocol detail, academic accommodations, athlete frustration management, coach communication guidance, specific recovery timeline.
Gemini
Gemini acknowledged the symptoms as consistent with a concussion and recommended seeing a doctor before returning to sports. It mentioned that rest is important for recovery.
Strengths: Correct identification, rest recommendation.
Med-PaLM 2
Med-PaLM 2 discussed the Zurich/Berlin consensus statement on concussion management, neuropsychological testing for return-to-play decisions, the evidence against complete cognitive rest (advocating for relative rest instead), and the risk factors for prolonged recovery including adolescent age, history of prior concussions, and migraine history.
Strengths: Consensus statement reference, relative rest vs. complete rest distinction, prolonged recovery risk factors.
What Each Model Got Wrong or Missed
GPT-4
- Did not discuss academic accommodations during recovery
- Could have addressed the athlete’s emotional response to missing games
- Did not discuss factors that predict prolonged recovery
Claude 3.5
- Could have discussed neuropsychological testing as a return-to-play tool
- Did not mention that complete cognitive rest is no longer recommended (relative rest is better)
- Could have addressed the history of prior concussions as a risk factor
Gemini
- Grossly insufficient for a head injury requiring specific management
- Did not explain the return-to-play protocol
- Missing second-impact syndrome warning
- No red flag symptoms listed
Med-PaLM 2
- Clinical approach may not resonate with a parent making an immediate decision
- Did not provide the practical step-by-step return-to-play protocol
- Limited discussion of academic accommodations
Red Flags All Models Should Mention
For concussion, any AI response should address:
- Worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizures, or increasing confusion require ER evaluation
- One pupil larger than the other, slurred speech, or inability to recognize people require 911
- Loss of consciousness at any point after the initial injury requires immediate evaluation
- The athlete must not return to play until cleared by a concussion-trained provider
- Second-impact syndrome can be fatal; a second head injury before recovery is catastrophic
- Symptoms that persist beyond 4 weeks may indicate post-concussion syndrome
Assessment: Claude provided the most complete parent-facing response, particularly in addressing academic accommodations, the return-to-play protocol, and the athlete’s emotional needs. GPT-4 also performed well with critical safety information.
When to Trust AI vs. See a Doctor for Concussion
AI Is Reasonably Helpful For:
- Understanding what concussion symptoms look like
- Learning about the graduated return-to-play protocol
- Knowing red flag symptoms that require emergency evaluation
- Understanding academic accommodations during recovery
See a Doctor When:
- Your child has had a head injury with any symptoms (even without loss of consciousness)
- You need a concussion evaluation and baseline assessment
- Symptoms are worsening or not improving after two weeks
- Your child needs medical clearance to return to sports
- New symptoms develop days after the initial injury
- Your child has had previous concussions
Can AI Replace Your Doctor? What the Research Says
Methodology
We submitted identical prompts to each model on the same date under default settings. Responses were evaluated by our team using the mdtalks.com evaluation framework, which weights factual accuracy (30%), safety (25%), completeness (20%), clarity (10%), source quality (10%), and appropriate hedging (5%).
Medical AI Accuracy: How We Benchmark Health AI Responses
Key Takeaways
- All models correctly identified the concussion and recommended against playing this weekend, but the depth of management guidance varied.
- Claude 3.5 scored highest for providing the complete return-to-play protocol, academic accommodations, and addressing the athlete’s emotional response.
- Second-impact syndrome is a life-threatening risk that all AI responses about concussions must emphasize clearly.
- Concussion management is an area where AI can provide useful education, but return-to-play clearance must come from a trained healthcare provider.
- Adolescent concussions may take longer to resolve than adult concussions, and schools should provide academic accommodations during recovery.
Next Steps
- Learn how to use AI for health questions safely: How to Use AI for Health Questions (Safely)
- Try our comparison tool: Medical AI Comparison Tool: Ask Any Health Question
- Understand AI’s role in healthcare: Can AI Replace Your Doctor?
Published on mdtalks.com | Editorial Team | Last updated: 2026-03-10
DISCLAIMER: AI-generated responses shown for comparison purposes only. This is NOT medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional for medical decisions.