Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
A Pediatric Concussion Model in Mice: Closed Head Injury with Long-Term Disorders (CHILD)
Published on: February 7, 2025
A prospective, population-based, follow-up study of mild traumatic brain injury in children
Ewa Dahl1, Lennart von Wendt, Ingrid Emanuelson
1Local Habilitation Centre of Southern Alvsborg, Boras Lasarett, Sweden. ewa.dahl@vgregion.se
Insights
The annual incidence of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in children is nearly as high as in adults. This study tracked new symptoms in children up to six months post-injury.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurology
- Public health research
- Traumatic brain injury epidemiology
Background:
- Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a common pediatric injury.
- Understanding mTBI incidence in children is crucial for public health.
- The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine classification provides standardized criteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the annual incidence of pediatric mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
- To apply the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine classification for diagnosis.
- To document new symptoms in children up to six months post-mTBI.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cohort study in south-western Sweden.
- Included 40,984 children aged 0-17 years.
- Utilized the Brain Injury Register and a 21-item questionnaire for symptom assessment.
Main Results:
- Identified 192 pediatric mTBI cases, yielding an annual incidence of 468/100,000.
- Fall injuries (61%) and male gender (57%) were predominant.
- 24% of respondents reported new symptoms within 3-6 months post-injury.
Conclusions:
- The annual incidence of pediatric mTBI in this population is comparable to adult rates.
- Pediatric mTBI requires significant attention due to its high occurrence.
- Further research on long-term outcomes and symptom development is warranted.
Objective:
Outline the annual incidence of mild traumatic brain injury in children, aged 0-17 years, using the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine classification and record the presence of new symptoms up to six months after injury.
Settings And Methods:
The study population comprised all the children in the age group of 0-17 years (a total of 40,984) in an administrative district in south-western Sweden. All the individuals registered in the Brain Injury Register, during the periods 1 January to 30 June 1999 and 1 April to 30 September 2000, fulfilling the inclusion criteria defined by American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, were included. New symptoms occurring three to six months after the injury were recorded using a mailed 21-item questionnaire.
Results:
192 children fulfilled the criteria, yielding an annual incidence of 468/100,000 (95% CI 402-535/100,000). Boys accounted for 57 per cent and fall injuries accounted for 61 per cent of the external causes. New symptoms were reported by 24 per cent of those who answered the questionnaire.
Conclusion:
This study revealed that the annual incidence of mild traumatic brain injury in children was almost as high as that among adults in the same area and population.
More Related Videos
07:02An Investigation of the Effects of Sports-related Concussion in Youth Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and the Head Impact Telemetry System
Published on: January 12, 2011
08:27Development of an Uncomplicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Model Modified by Weight-Drop Method and Evidenced by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: April 11, 2025
