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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
A Multi-Modal Approach to Assessing Recovery in Youth Athletes Following Concussion
Published on: September 25, 2014
Sport-related concussion in the young athlete
Sergio R Russo Buzzini1, Kevin M Guskiewicz
1Department of Pediatrics and Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA. buzzini@musc.edu
Purpose Of Review:
The purpose of this review is to present an overview of sport-related concussion in the young athlete and review recent publications of clinical and scientific importance.
Recent Findings:
Recent findings show that young athletes are more susceptible to concussions than older athletes and more likely to develop second impact syndrome, as well as long-term negative cumulative consequences. Further, ongoing research suggests a more prolonged disturbance of brain function following a concussion than previously believed.
Summary:
Given the increased vulnerability of the young athlete, current research suggests conservative management of concussion and return-to-play decisions. A decision tree diagram to assist the practitioner in making return-to-play recommendations for the young athlete is included in this review.
