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Updated: Apr 21, 2026
A Multi-Modal Approach to Assessing Recovery in Youth Athletes Following Concussion
Published on: September 25, 2014
Multimodal evaluation and management of children with concussion: using our heads and available evidence
1Division of Pediatric Neuropsychology, Children's National Health System, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry & Behavioural Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine , Rockville, Maryland , USA.
Insights
This study presents a standardized concussion assessment and rehabilitation approach for children aged 5 and up. It offers a 10-step guide to manage symptoms and school-related challenges for young concussion patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurology
- Sports medicine
- Developmental psychology
Background:
- Limited research exists on concussion evaluation and management in children.
- Concussions in pediatric populations require specialized clinical approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline a multimodal, developmentally appropriate concussion assessment and active rehabilitation strategy for children.
- To provide a standardized framework for managing concussions in young individuals.
Main Methods:
- Review of CDC-funded research on concussion assessment tools for children and parents.
- Inclusion of neurocognitive function measurement and dynamic cognitive exertional testing.
- Development of a 10-step guide for symptom management and school reintegration.
Main Results:
- Presentation of an active, individualized, and moderated concussion rehabilitation management approach.
- Focus on addressing school-related difficulties encountered by recovering students.
- A practical guide for clinicians managing pediatric concussion cases.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to enhance clinical assessment methods for concussions across developmental ages.
- Development of effective, evidence-based treatment strategies for pediatric concussion is crucial.
- Refining current practices requires more robust research evidence for better clinical outcomes.
Background:
Significant attention has been focused on concussions in children, but a dearth of research evidence exists supporting clinical evaluation and management.
Aim:
The primary objective of this review paper is to describe a multimodal, developmentally adapted, standardized concussion assessment and active rehabilitation approach for children as young as 5 years old.
Methods:
This study reviews the CDC-funded research programme, including the development of tools for post-concussion symptom assessment involving the child and parent, measurement of specific neurocognitive functions and assessment of dynamic cognitive exertional effects.
Results:
A clinical approach to active, individualized, moderated concussion rehabilitation management is presented, including a 10-step guide to symptom management, with a specific focus on the school challenges faced by the recovering student.
Conclusion:
To better inform concussion practice across the developmental age spectrum, a significant need exists for further research evidence to refine clinical assessment methods and develop effective treatment approaches.
