Concussion in the pediatric and adolescent population: "different population, different concerns"

PM R. 2011 Oct;3(10 Suppl 2):S369-79. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2011.07.015.

Abstract

Sports-related concussions are common among pediatric and adolescent athletes, yet a scarcity of age-specific research often has meant that practitioners use guidelines developed for collegiate or adult populations. This situation is changing, as more studies are being published about this population that bears special attention because of the immaturity of the developing brain. This article describes existing knowledge about the epidemiology and etiology of concussions in youth athletes; discusses issues related to assessment, clinical management, and return to activity; examines special concerns related to the effects of concussion on the developing brain; and discusses prevention and education initiatives related to concussion in youth athletes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / physiology
  • Athletic Injuries / diagnosis
  • Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
  • Brain / growth & development
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain Concussion / diagnosis
  • Brain Concussion / epidemiology*
  • Brain Concussion / physiopathology*
  • Brain Edema / physiopathology
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / physiopathology
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Disabled Children / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Health Education
  • Humans
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Recovery of Function / physiology
  • Rest / physiology
  • Sports / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Terminology as Topic