Concussive head injury in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Awareness of concussive head injury continues to grow, aided by greater understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of concussions and its short-term and long-term consequences. Younger players who are in the midst of their neurodevelopmental trajectory continue to be placed at risk; therefore, more must be done to educate clinicians, parents, coaches and players alike in this area. Our understanding of concussive injury is evolving and more integrated models of care are being developed so as to provide patients with the holistic model of care needed in the post-concussive context.

OBJECTIVE: In this article, we outline a contemporary perspective on concussion, and address an evidence-based approach to children and adolescents who have suffered a concussive injury.

DISCUSSION: Good clinical care of a patient with concussion by the primary care physician is the best prevention of adverse outcomes. The ability of the primary care physician to recognise when to treat and when to refer will be an important agent for change in 
this field.