Detailed concussion symptom analysis in a paediatric ED population

Primary objective: To examine the frequency of acute mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) symptoms in children using a concussion symptom inventory and to identify which symptoms are most useful in identifying mTBI. It was hypothesized that symptoms associated with mTBI are more common in children with head injury than orthopaedic injury and certain symptoms are more useful than others in identifying mTBI.Research design: Prospective case-control study conducted in a paediatric trauma centre emergency department.Methods and procedures: Children of 6–18 years old with head injury or a minor extremity injury were enrolled. Symptoms were assessed using a graded symptom checklist. Symptom frequency was compared using a chi-square test. The association between individual symptoms with AMS was evaluated with logistic regression analysis.Main outcomes and results: Children with head injury displayed more frequent symptoms than controls. Head-injured cases with altered mental status (AMS) demonstrated the most freq...