Neuropsychological evaluation and management of sport-related concussion

Sport-related concussion (SRC) is common in children and adolescents. Although symptoms are typically self-limiting and short-lived, some individuals suffer persistent negative outcomes. The risk of repeat injury and prolonged recovery can be reduced by accurate diagnosis and management. In the absence of reported symptoms, neuropsychological assessment has been identified as objective means of determining dysfunction following concussion. Most research to date has focused on adult populations. This review summarizes the literature regarding neuropsychological evaluation of SRC in the pediatric athlete.

As with adult populations, neuropsychological evaluation of children and adolescents diagnosed with SRC has documented skills and abilities that are particularly sensitive to head injury. Difficulties with attention and concentration, speed of information processing, and memory are commonly reported in the literature. There is also some evidence to suggest that younger children are particularly vulnerable to neurologic insult and are at greater risk for secondary consequences. Although such findings argue for more conservative management, the availability of diagnostic tools, including computerized neurocognitive assessment batteries, is limited.

The neuropsychological impact of SRC on functioning is well established. Because documented deficits have the potential to interfere with critical aspects of normal development in children and adolescents, accurate diagnosis and management of SRC are especially important. Despite some limitations, there is good evidence to support the use of neuropsychological assessment to inform treatments and return-to-play decision making.