Sport-Related Concussion in Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics 2018 Dec;142(6)
Date
11/14/2018Pubmed ID
30420472DOI
10.1542/peds.2018-3074Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85057830782 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 110 CitationsAbstract
Sport-related concussion is an important topic in nearly all sports and at all levels of sport for children and adolescents. Concussion knowledge and approaches to management have progressed since the American Academy of Pediatrics published its first clinical report on the subject in 2010. Concussion's definition, signs, and symptoms must be understood to diagnose it and rule out more severe intracranial injury. Pediatric health care providers should have a good understanding of diagnostic evaluation and initial management strategies. Effective management can aid recovery and potentially reduce the risk of long-term symptoms and complications. Because concussion symptoms often interfere with school, social life, family relationships, and athletics, a concussion may affect the emotional well-being of the injured athlete. Because every concussion has its own unique spectrum and severity of symptoms, individualized management is appropriate. The reduction, not necessarily elimination, of physical and cognitive activity is the mainstay of treatment. A full return to activity and/or sport is accomplished by using a stepwise program while evaluating for a return of symptoms. An understanding of prolonged symptoms and complications will help the pediatric health care provider know when to refer to a specialist. Additional research is needed in nearly all aspects of concussion in the young athlete. This report provides education on the current state of sport-related concussion knowledge, diagnosis, and management in children and adolescents.
Author List
Halstead ME, Walter KD, Moffatt K, COUNCIL ON SPORTS MEDICINE AND FITNESSAuthor
Kevin D. Walter MD Associate Professor in the Orthopaedic Surgery department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdolescentAthletic Injuries
Brain Concussion
Child
Global Health
Humans
Incidence
Neuroimaging
Neurologic Examination
Neuropsychological Tests
Prognosis
Risk Factors
Sports Medicine
