Persistent Postconcussive Symptoms in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Investigators from the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Boston Children’s Hospital, Alberta Children’s Hospital, University of Montreal, McGill University Health Center, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Calgary, and the University of Ottawa researched the association between early physical activity and persistent postconcussive symptoms (PPCS).

Exercise-Induced Vision Dysfunction Early After Sport-Related Concussion Is Associated With Persistent Postconcussive Symptoms

“…Adolescents with PPCS represent the most significantly affected patients, with reduced quality of life and risk for depression and poor academic performance. 32,33 Hence, identifying those at an elevated risk for PPCS as soon as possible after injury for potential, early, targeted therapeutic interventions is an important part of quality concussion care to improve recovery outcomes. 34 We confirmed our hypothesis in that we found adolescents after sport-related concussion who demonstrated exercise-induced vision dysfunction within 10 days of injury had a 3-fold risk of experiencing PPCS than those without early exercise-induced vision dysfunction.…”

Association Between Fear of Pain and Sports-Related Concussion Recovery in a Pediatric Population

“…3 Most SRCs in young athletes resolve within an expected time frame of 2 to 4 weeks, 2 but 30% of pediatric patients have a prolonged recovery (defined in the pediatric population as symptoms lasting longer than 28 days), with persistent postconcussive symptoms. 4,5 Symptoms include physical dysfunction such as headaches and dizziness. In addition, prolonged recovery can cause psychosocial issues resulting from decreased participation in sports and withdrawal from social encounters.…”