What Pediatric Providers Know About Concussions

Reports in the press of concussions in high-profile professional athletes have renewed a focus on diagnosis and management of mild traumatic brain injury. Although most patients recover quickly, prolonged physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms require immediate recognition and careful management. Researchers at a large pediatric network surveyed 276 pediatric primary care and emergency medicine providers about their knowledge of concussion and related symptoms.

Among the 145 respondents (53%), 91% had cared for at least 1 patient with acute concussion in the previous 3 months, and nearly all had referred at least 1 patient after the initial visit. Primary care pediatricians were most likely to refer because they were not comfortable wit…