according to a new clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Dr. Mark Halstead
The update to the 2010 guidelines was needed to reflect the latest research “and it was necessary to provide this new information to guide pediatricians in evaluating and treating concussions they may see in their practice,” Mark Halstead, MD, of Washington University, St. Louis, said in an interview.
The biggest changes to the guidelines involve management of concussion, noted Dr. Halstead, who was a coauthor of the AAP clinical report. “The previous recommendation called for cognitive and physical rest, which unfortunately was interpreted as complete removal from all physical activity and limiting many other things including electronic use.
“Because of research that has been conducted since the original report, it has been shown that starting some light physical activity to increase heart rate, provided it does not worsen symptoms, can be beneficial in recovery. Also, the recommendation for complete removal of electronics and computer use has unfortunately created some issues with kids getting socially isolated,” he added.
James Boulette/iStockphoto
“For better or for worse, kids are connected through their electronic devices. Removing them, with no evidence that it worsens the concussion, essentially punishes kids for their injury. We also are trying to discourage prolonged removal of kids from school,” Dr. Halstead emphasized.
The new recommendations emphasize the unique nature of sports-related concussion (SRC) from one individual to another, and the need for individualized management.
Symptoms of SRC fall into five categories, according to the guidelines: somatic, vestibular, oculomotor, cognitive, and emotional/sleep. Pediatric health care providers should rule out more severe head injuries and recognize that concussion symptoms are nonspecific and may reflect preexisting conditions, such as migraine or headache disorders, learning disorders, ADHD, mental health conditions, or sleep disorders.
Use of assessments such as the Sport Concussion Management Tool (SCAT5 for 13 years and older or Child SCAT5 for 5-12 years) can help guide clinicians, but should not be used in isolation to diagnose a concussion, the guideline authors wrote.
Strategies for injury prevention are included in the guidelines as well, such as the use of appropriate headgear. As for management, computerized neurocognitive testing can play a role in decisions regarding return to play, but should not be used in isolation.
Dr. Kody A. Moffatt
“The biggest thing we are lacking is an objective diagnostic test to determine the presence of a concussion or its resolution,” coauthor Kody A. Moffatt, MD, of Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, said in an interview.
“Mandatory baseline and postinjury computerized neurocognitive testing is not recommended,” he added.
Clinicians can best manage SRC with prompt recognition and diagnosis using the available tools, followed by relative rest and return to school, then noncontact physical activities, and eventually a return to sport if appropriate.
“Most concussions in children and adolescents will resolve within 4 weeks as long as there is not additional injury to the brain during that time,” Dr. Moffat said.
More research is needed in particular about concussions in elementary and middle school children, Dr. Halstead added.