Post-concussion recovery in children and adolescents: A narrative review

Abstract

Objectives To determine if current evidence supports a slower recovery from concussion in children and adolescents when compared to adults, and to assess current management guidelines in view of this evidence. Design Narrative review. Methods We examined key recent research studies relating to the question “do children take longer to recover from concussion than adults?” Concussion management strategies and a sample of guidelines from different organisations were analysed in view of the current literature. Results Recovery has been defined as return to baseline on self-reported concussion symptoms or measures of cognitive deficit. Some studies have compared measures of recovery between children and young adults, and a number of cross-sectional studies have compared groups of children of different ages. The findings varied; however, most studies suggested that children may take longer to recover than adults. Age-related differences have been considered when designing guidelines for the management of concussion. Conclusions In view of the differences in time to recovery in children, this review supports the use of more conservative concussion management guidelines in children than in adults.