Topic 7 - concussion in children vs adults

Question 1

what is the difference in recovery time between kids and adults

Answer 1

most adults recover over 10-14 days
most children take 14-28 days to recover

Question 2

how is PPCS defined

Answer 2

symptoms persisting past 28 days
~30% report PPCS

Question 3

what is the effect of a history of concussion

Answer 3

3.5x more likely to take longer to recover
longer time to RTS

Question 4

what are the proposed reasons for differences in recovery

Answer 4

different forms of symptoms presented
- children = more emotional and cognitive based
- adults = more physical

adolescent brain is still developing and has incomplete myelination
- hormone changes, PHV changes can further exacerbate balance challenges

weaker support muscles in the head and neck in kids (same size head, less strength to support)
- rapid decelerations (adults can hold head up)

Question 5

what are the consequences of PPCS

Answer 5

missed school
depressed
loss of social and physical activities
lower QoL

Question 6

what can PPCS be impacted by

Answer 6

injury characteristics
pre injury child/family factors
post injury child/family factors

all impact functional outcomes

parent response plays a large role in outcomes in children

Question 7

what is the effect of SES on recovery

Answer 7

large differences in concussion symptoms and treatment

high resources = larger improvement (access to specialists and treatment)

low resources = more challenges and increased symptoms

Question 8

what are risk factors for PPCS

Answer 8

increased age
female
history of concussion and prolonged symptoms
migraine history
answering slowly
balance errors (more than 4)
headache
sensitivity to noise
fatigue

Question 9

what are the levels of risk based off of risk factors

Answer 9

all add up to 12
high risk = 9-12
medium risk = 4-8
low = 0-3