In 2022, the 6th International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport was held in Amsterdam, leading to new recommendations for children 5–12 and 13–18 years. Davis et al. (10.1542/peds.2023-063489) provide us with a summary of recommendations in a special article being early released this week in Pediatrics. There are new prevention strategies for sport-related concussions. The authors also review new data related to the acute evaluation of sport-related concussions with the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool for adults, teens, and children. They also discuss what’s new in regard to rest and getting back into exercise early after a sport-related concussion. The authors identify tests to accurately diagnose persistent post-concussive symptoms and biomarkers to assess neurobiologic recovery that can lead to a quicker return to school and play. The authors describe the rationale for changes from the prior consensus conference and the gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed in the future.
To further interpret the findings from the consensus conference, we invited a commentary from Dr. Mark Halstead from St. Louis Children’s Hospital (10.1542/peds.2023-063881). Dr. Halstead heralds the article by Davis et al. (REF) and helps us to better understand future opportunities. The article by Davis and the commentary by Halstead are heads above earlier studies on this topic and well worth reading to enable you to learn so much more about handling patients experiencing concussions than one can include in a short blog like this. Link to this study and learn more.
