Who is at risk of Persistent Post Concussion Symptoms?

• Counsel patients and families that most (~70%) children with mTBI do not show significant difficulties that last more than 1 to 3 months after injury  
• Each child’s recovery from mTBI is unique and will follow its own trajectory 
• Pre-morbid history can assist in determining prognosis 

Healthcare professionals should screen for known risk factors for persistent symptoms in children with mTBI, such as:

• Pre-morbid history of mTBI or Learning Disorders
• Lower cognitive ability (for children with an intracranial lesion)
• Neurological or psychiatric disorder
• Increased pre-injury symptoms (ie, similar to those often referred to as “postconcussive”)
• Family and social stressors

Healthcare professionals can get detailed information about the assessment and management of concussion and persisting symptoms on the ANZ concussion guideline website. This includes a useful toolbox to help you assess and manage symptoms, sleep, and mood disturbances. 

The QLD children's concussion referral pathway for children in QLD and northern NSW contains quick links to tools and service referrals.

• For children with mTBI whose symptoms do not resolve as expected with standard care (ie, within 4 - 6 weeks), healthcare professionals should provide or refer for appropriate assessments and/or interventions