The young brain and concussion: imaging as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis
Esteban Toledo1, Alyssa Lebel, Lino Becerra
1Center for Pain and the Brain, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, United States.
Insights
Pediatric concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), impacts the developing brain. Further research into its effects may improve diagnosis and treatment for children and adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Concussion (mild traumatic brain injury) is a major pediatric public health issue.
- The acute and chronic effects of concussion on the developing central nervous system are not fully understood.
- Increased awareness has not led to complete knowledge of concussion's impact on pediatric brain structure and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the definition, epidemiology, and sequelae of pediatric concussion.
- To synthesize current data on concussion's effects on the developing brain in children and adolescents.
- To inform the development of biomarkers for improved concussion management in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on concussion pathophysiology.
- Analysis of neuroimaging studies in pediatric populations.
- Synthesis of epidemiological data on concussion incidence and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Concussion significantly affects the developing brain in children and adolescents.
- Pathophysiology and neuroimaging reveal structural and functional changes.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for accurate diagnosis and prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Further research on pediatric concussion is needed.
- Neuroimaging and pathophysiology studies offer insights into neurological consequences.
- Development of brain biomarkers could enhance identification, management, and prognosis for pediatric concussion patients.
Abstract:
Concussion (mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)) is a significant pediatric public health concern. Despite increased awareness, a comprehensive understanding of the acute and chronic effects of concussion on central nervous system structure and function remains incomplete. Here we review the definition, epidemiology, and sequelae of concussion within the developing brain, during childhood and adolescence, with current data derived from studies of pathophysiology and neuroimaging. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the neurological consequences of traumatic brain injuries, which in turn, may lead to the development of brain biomarkers to improve identification, management and prognosis of pediatric patients suffering from concussion.
