A balance of cognitive rest and timely return to school need to be considered for returning any student to school after a concussion. Implementation of these new recommendations may be an important tool in prevention of prolonged absence from school and academic failure while supporting brain recovery.

Implementation of these new pediatric recommendations is an important addition to prevention of subsequent concussions during vulnerable recovery periods, with potential to facilitate recovery by preventing prolonged symptomatology, and secondary sequelae.

Depression is commonly reported in this subset of children. High post-concussive symptom scores and hospital admission were strong predictors of depression. Screening for depression should be standard practice in concussion management in children and youth.

Although concussion in children is an increasing concern, it has been determined that the most comprehensive guidelines for management are focused on adults. These guidelines are primarily consensus-based and are not proven fact through quality research. Evidence concerning prolonged recovery patterns in youth and the impact of concussion on the developing brain suggest that pediatric guidelines should be more conservative than for adults. Therefore, pediatric-specific guidelines need to be developed for return to activity and return to school after MTBI/concussion.