Assessment and Treatment of Concussion in the Pediatric Population

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common in children. The evaluation and management of children with TBI is based on the research performed in adults. There is a relative paucity of research in the literature involving children and many of the practice recommendations for this age are based on expert opinion in the absence of good research studies in both sports and non–sports-related injuries. The pediatric population is heterogeneous and the approach might be specific for infants, preschoolers, school age children, and adolescents. Children may also suffer from neurodevelopmental disabilities, making their evaluation even more challenging. Adult neurologists are often asked to see children due to increasing demands. This review will focus on specific issues related to TBI in children that might be useful to adult neurologists. Science, however, is evolving rapidly and physicians should make sure to remain up to date to offer evidence-based services to their patients.

Management of Concussion in the Young Athlete

“…However, they may have differences in symptom severity and recovery time. Particularly in younger groups, concussion may affect the ability to achieve developmental milestones or cause loss of previously acquired skills [27]. Adolescents, from 13 to 22 years old, tend to have a greater number and more severe symptoms than do children from 5 to 12 years old [7].…”

The Curing Coma Campaign and the Future of Coma Research

“…[1,2] Even a slight decrease in level of consciousness is pathognomonic to neurological decline. [3] Major gaps exist in the ability to classify the biological underpinnings of impaired consciousness in acutely brain-injured patients, to acutely prognosticate regarding pace and trajectory of recovery, and to administer treatments that enhance this recovery. In 2018, the Neurocritical Care Society undertook a strategic planning meeting regarding the state of the overall science of neurocritical care.…”