When in doubt, sit it out! Pediatric concussion-an update.

ABSTRACT

Concussion is a major public health issue that has received much publicity in recent years. Reported concussions are increasing across all ages, including the highest rates in pediatric age ranges. Due to the age-related physiological responses and differential recovery of symptoms after concussion, special consideration must be given to youth concussions. Concussion can affect each child differently and likely affects children differently than adults. Until the past decade, there has been a scarcity of scientifically rigorous studies examining concussions in children. This increasing amount of research and consensus has begun to influence the definition, evaluation, management, return to school and play recommendations, prevention, and education relating to pediatric concussion. The purpose of this article is a review of relevant research published in the last few years (2015-2017) with highlights of these updates summarized for clinical use.