On-Field Diagnosis and Management of Sports-Related Concussion in Pediatric Athletes
Arvind Balaji1, Grace Martin1, Jasyn S Chidester1
1Lucille Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Stanford University, Redwood City, California, USA.
Background:
In pediatric sports medicine, the accurate diagnosis of sports-related concussions (SRCs) relies on keen observation and precise evaluation during athletic endeavors. Unlike many medical conditions, SRC is not readily diagnosed through traditional imaging studies or laboratory tests.
Indications:
The absence of objective diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of concussion emphasizes the critical need for a set of evidence-based examination skills to empower health care professionals, including physicians, physical therapists, and athletic trainers, in making reliable diagnoses.
Technique Description:
At the forefront of the essential examination skills is the Vestibulo-Ocular Motor Screen (VOMS), a recognized and valuable tool for both diagnosing and monitoring the recovery of individuals affected by SRC. This video presentation aims to offer a comprehensive exploration of the neurologic domains most frequently impacted in pediatric patients experiencing SRCs. Furthermore, it provides a detailed and insightful guide on the proper execution of the VOMS examination.
Discussion/Conclusion:
Upon watching the video, viewers will acquire the skills to discern SRCs in young athletes. This information is most important for health care professionals who are tasked with recognizing and promptly removing pediatric athletes suspected to have a SRC, as well as monitor their recovery and assess their readiness to return to competition.
Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:
The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
