Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026
08:13
Development and Implementation of a Multi-Disciplinary Technology Enhanced Care Pathway for Youth and Adults with Concussion
Published on: January 20, 2019
7.2K
Concussion and its management: What do parents know?
Kirstin Weerdenburg1, Suzan Schneeweiss1, Ellen Koo1
1Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario.
Paediatrics & Child Health
|July 12, 2016
Summary
Parents often missed diagnosing concussions in their children, with only 40% accuracy. Increased parental education on concussion recognition and return-to-play guidelines is crucial for better child advocacy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Neurology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Concussion diagnosis in children presenting to emergency departments (EDs) relies on both physician assessment and parental reporting.
- Parental suspicion plays a role in identifying potential concussions, but its accuracy relative to medical professionals is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the sensitivity and specificity of parental suspicion of concussion compared to pediatric emergency physicians in children with head injuries.
- To identify factors associated with parental suspicion aligning with physician diagnoses.
Main Methods:
- Parents of children aged 5–18 with non-structural head injuries presenting to an urban pediatric ED completed a 24-item questionnaire.
- Sensitivity and specificity of parental suspicion were calculated, and logistic regression was used to examine associated variables.
Main Results:
- Parental suspicion had a sensitivity of 40.0% and specificity of 58.3% for concussion.
- Children aged 10 years or older were more likely to have parental suspicion concordant with physician diagnosis (OR 3.0).
- Only 32.1% of parents were familiar with return-to-play guidelines, though most (91.5%) would stop activity if a concussion was suspected.
Conclusions:
- Parental suspicion of concussion is often lower than physician diagnosis, particularly in younger children.
- There is a significant need for enhanced parental education regarding concussion recognition and management, including return-to-play protocols.
- Improved parental awareness can empower them to advocate more effectively for their child's health after a head injury.
