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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
A Pediatric Concussion Model in Mice: Closed Head Injury with Long-Term Disorders (CHILD)
Published on: February 7, 2025
The specificity of post-concussive symptoms in the pediatric population
Ann-Charlotte Falk1, Lennart Von Wendt, Birgitta Klang Söderkvist
1Department of Woman and Child Health, Neuropediatric Research Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. ann-charlotte.falk@karolinska.se
Insights
Children with mild head injuries and those with abdominal issues both reported symptoms three months later. Behavioral changes were more common in the comparison group, but symptom intensity varied by age.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Mild head injuries in children are common presentations in emergency departments.
- Differentiating symptoms of mild head injury from other pediatric complaints is clinically relevant.
- Understanding symptom evolution and recovery patterns is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare symptom patterns in children with mild head injury versus those with abdominal complaints.
- To assess symptom changes and recovery at three months post-emergency department visit.
- To identify specific age groups requiring focused evaluation for head injury recovery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for children (0-15 years) presenting with head injury or abdominal complaints.
- Prospective follow-up questionnaires administered at three months to assess concussion-related symptoms.
- Comparison of reported symptoms and behavioral changes between the head injury and abdominal complaint groups.
Main Results:
- The comparison group (abdominal complaints) reported significantly more behavioral changes than the head injury group.
- Older children in the comparison group reported higher symptom intensity than the head injury group.
- Initial symptom differences between groups diminished by three months, with both reporting persistent symptoms or changes.
Conclusions:
- Symptom presentation and recovery trajectories following mild head injury in children may differ from other acute complaints.
- Persistent symptoms at three months are common in both mild head injury and abdominal complaint groups.
- Further research and specific evaluation protocols for young children (under five) with head injuries are recommended.
Abstract:
The study compared patterns of reported symptoms between a mild head injury group and a group of children with abdominal complaints visiting an emergency department. Children (0-15 years) admitted to an emergency department during a three-month period with a history of head injury and a comparison group of children were included. Medical records at the time of injury were reviewed and follow-up questionnaires focused on presumed symptoms related to concussion at three months post-visit. The comparison group reported significantly more change in behaviour than the head injury group. However, for the older children, higher intensity of symptoms was reported by the comparison group compared to the head injury group. Initial differences in the amount and presence of symptoms between the two groups did not reflect the findings at three months; both groups reported symptoms or changes at three months after the event. Evaluating children aged under five, their symptoms and recovery patterns after a head injury is recommended.
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