A groundbreaking new study published in Experimental Neurology found that a single juvenile concussion in male mice led to progressive changes in white matter across their lifespan.

An article in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that the risk of suicide in patients ages 5-24 increased after sustaining a concussion.

A study investigating health-related quality of life (HRQL) metrics and other psychological factors post-concussion in youth found that that psychological risk factors such as anxiety and depression negatively impact health-related quality of life in the initial 6-month phase of pediatric concussion.

A study of rates and mechanisms of head contact and suspected concussions in youth basketball found a lack of fouls called for head contacts during the game, despite contact to the head being illegal in basketball.

A study found that engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during post-concussion recovery can reduce anxiety levels in teens and have other beneficial effects.

A recent study in The Journal of Pediatrics found that recreation-related concussions (RRC)––such as those from recess, gym class, and play––and non-sport or recreation-related concussions (non-SRRC)––from events like motor vehicle crashes, falls, and assault––are more common among patients 5 through 12 years old than sports-related concussions (SRC) from organized sports.

A study published in JAMA Network Open challenges the existing idea that early childhood concussion may have relatively benign effects and highlights that postconcussive symptoms can be relatively long-lasting.

A study published in Biological Psychiatry

found that concussions may alter the trajectory of white matter maturation in female children and that this alteration may play a role in the onset of new depression and anxiety after concussion. 

E-scooter injuries in children and adolescents are “becoming much more common and increasingly severe,” according to a 10-year study.

Ian K. Chun found that turf fields result in impact deceleration “as much as 23 g higher on artificial grass compared to natural surfaces.” The higher g forces may translate “to a theoretical increased risk of concussion due to contact with playing surfaces,” according to Chun.

A study found that very low and very high screen time predicted more severe postconcussion symptoms in the first 30 days post-injury. However, this association was no longer present once patients were more than 30 days out from their injury.

A study found a significant reduction in symptom relapse rates related to premature Return to Learn but not for Return to Play, indicating the need for more emphasis on implementing Return to Learn protocol.

A study found that “youth who experienced a concussion were more likely to develop mental health issues, self-harm, or psychiatric hospitalization than peers who had an orthopedic injury.” We include information and tips for parents.

A study found significant disparities in diagnosis and outcomes between children presenting to a pediatric hospital with assault-related (ARC) and sports-related concussion (SRC).

A study by Josh Shore et al. found that a novel Tele-Active Rehabilitation (Tele-AR) program improved postconcussion symptoms, illness perception, and occupational performance (self-perception of performance in everyday living) in a small group of adolescents.

A study found significant gaps in school-based concussion education in a scoping review, "including a lack of clear guidelines for concussion education content, questionable sustainability of the education delivery and the need for long-term evaluation of outcomes.”

A study found significant gaps in a high proportion of PA schools with regard to both state mandates and current best practices, though protocols were much higher quality in schools with a full-time athletic trainer (AT).

A study has found that for youth ages 10 to 18, “Resuming non-contact physical activity 72 hours after a concussion is safe, and may also reduce symptoms and the risk of delayed recovery,” according to a CHEO Research Institute press release.

A study found that children and adolescents who sustain a concussion are at an increased risk of developing mental health issues. The results indicated that "young people who sustain a concussion are at a 40% higher risk of mental health issues, psychiatric hospitalization, and self-harm compared to those who sustain an orthopedic injury."

PedsConcussion, a living guideline for concussion treatment and recovery for kids and teens, has updated its guidelines for returning to school. The guideline now states that students can return to school when cognitive activities do not make symptoms worse, even if symptoms are still present.