Management of pediatric mild traumatic brain injury: a neuropsychological review from injury through recovery

Clin Neuropsychol. 2008 Sep;22(5):769-800. doi: 10.1080/13854040701543700. Epub 2007 Sep 1.

Abstract

Little scientific attention has been aimed at the non-acute clinical care of pediatric mild TBI. We propose a clinical management model focused on both evaluation and intervention from the time of injury through recovery. Intervention strategies are outlined using a framework encompassing four relevant domains: the individual youth, family, school, and athletics. Clinical management has primary value in its potential to speed recovery, minimize distress during the recovery process, and reduce the number of individuals who subjectively experience longer lasting postconcussive problems. With proper management, most children and adolescents sustaining an uncomplicated mild TBI can be expected to recover fully.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Brain Injuries / physiopathology*
  • Brain Injuries / psychology
  • Brain Injuries / therapy*
  • Caregivers
  • Child
  • Health Services Needs and Demand / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Injury Severity Score
  • Neuropsychological Tests / statistics & numerical data
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome / psychology
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome / therapy
  • Recovery of Function / physiology*