Improving subacute management of post concussion symptoms: a pilot study of the Melbourne Paediatric Concussion Scale parent report

Abstract

Aim: To pilot a modification of the Post Concussion Symptom Inventory, the Melbourne Paediatric Concussion Scale (MPCS) and examine its clinical utility. Materials & methods: A total of 40 families of concussed children, aged 8–18 years, were recruited from the emergency department. Parent responses to the MPCS in the emergency department and 2-weeks post injury determined child symptomatic status. Association between MPCS symptom endorsement and symptomatic group status was examined. Results: All additional MPCS items were endorsed by at least 25% of the parents of symptomatic children at 2 weeks. MPCS items were classified into nine symptom domains, with most falling in mood, neurological, autonomic and vestibular domains. Conclusion: The additional items and domain classifications in the MPCS have the potential to improve subacute diagnostic precision, monitoring of clinical recovery and identification of appropriate interventions post pediatric concussion.

Beyond acute concussion assessment to office management: a systematic review informing the development of a Sport Concussion Office Assessment Tool (SCOAT6) for adults and children

“…Additional clinical items such as those described by Davis in the Melbourne Paediatric Concussion Scale warrant inclusion as they may only manifest in the subacute stage of SRC, may help monitor clinical recovery, and further guide management. 81 Differentiating symptom domains may assist in guiding individualised interventions. Clinicians should be aware that some of the symptoms endorsed may have been pre-existing, coexisting or arising as a reaction to the aftermath of the SRC rather than directly from the SRC itself and a differential diagnosis should be borne in mind, as the symptoms are often non-specific.…”