TITLE:
Sports-Related Concussion in School-Age Children
AUTHORS:
David S. Younger
KEYWORDS:
Traumatic Brain Injury, Children, Schools
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Neuroscience,
Vol.8 No.1,
December
15,
2017
ABSTRACT: Viewed through the lens of
public health, sports-related concussion or mild traumatic brain injury is an
epidemic health problem. This paper commences with a scoping review of
sport-related concussion and mild traumatic brain injury considering its
historical background, clinical definitions, epidemiology, and pathophysiology
and treatment. The second section assesses the complex interplay of
intrapersonal and interpersonal, community, and societal factors that influence
sport-related concussion and mild traumatic brain injury. The third section
concludes with recommendations for policy changes and further research to
mitigate the health impact of sports-related concussion in adolescent
school-age children. The optimal management of sports-related concussion requires
care going beyond the acute injury, and into the school
setting to maximize their academic and social outcomes. This is more likely to
occur when healthcare and educational systems are optimally coordinated.