Concussion in children

Concussions are common in pediatric athletes, but they often go underreported. The topic of concussions has garnered much attention from the media recently, and this attention has resulted in the development of stricter guidelines for management of concussion by professional sporting leagues such as the National Football League and the National Hockey League. It is important to establish a clear understanding of the definitions, signs, and symptoms of concussion so that teachers, families, coaches, and physicians can better recognize it when it occurs. A concussion can interfere with school performance and interpersonal relationships, and the knowledge about long-term consequences of pediatric concussion is evolving. Proper management of concussion is critical to reduce the long-term sequelae, especially because there are no current means for prevention of concussion.