Comparing the Acute Presentation of Sport-Related Concussion in the Pediatric and Adult Populations

Despite growing research on concussion, there is minimal evidence comparing the acute presentation of concussion between pediatric and adult patients. This cross-sectional study compares injury characteristics, symptoms, and neurologic examination in sport-related concussion based on age. Patients presenting to an outpatient sports neurology clinic for initial assessment of concussion within 7 days of injury were divided into 2 groups, 18 and older (n = 28) and 17 and younger (n = 107). There were no significant differences between pediatric and adult patients in any score of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-3rd Edition symptom scale, neurologic examination category, pertinent elements of past medical history, or characteristics of the concussion. The pediatric group had higher average hours of sleep (8.1 ± 0.3 vs 7.1 ± 0.58; P = .03) and were less likely to wake refreshed (36.3% vs 65%; P = .02). The initial presentation of concussion within 7 days of injury will likely not differ by age, specifically 18 and older versus 17 and younger.