Research Study: What is the Difference in Concussion Management in Children as Compared with Adults? A Systematic Review (2017)

“This systematic review recommends that in children: child and adolescent age specific paradigms should be applied; child-validated symptom rating scales should be used; the widespread routine use of baseline computerised neuropsychological tests (CNT) is not recommended; the expected duration of symptoms associated with sports-related concussion (SRC) is less than 4 weeks; prolonged recovery be defined as symptomatic for greater than 4 weeks; a brief period of cognitive and physical rest should be followed with gradual symptom-limited physical and cognitive activity; all schools be encouraged to have a concussion policy and should offer appropriate academic accommodations and support to students recovering from SRC; and children and adolescents should not return to sport (RTSp) until they have successfully returned to school, however early introduction of symptom-limited physical activity is appropriate”.

Young Carers Australia

“Young Carers Australia is designed primarily to support young carers. It gives young carers the opportunity to access information, share caring ideas and stories; talk to other young carers; and keep up to date on current news and events.”

Younger People with Disability in Residential Aged Care Initiative (YPIRAC)

“In 2006, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to a five-year initiative to reduce the number of younger people with disability living in nursing homes throughout Australia. Governments implemented the joint Commonwealth, state and territory initiative from July 2006.” Click Read More for more information about the YPIRAC initiative and disability services in each state and territory.

Research Study: A High Initial Symptom Burden Prolongs Symptoms Following Concussion in Adolescents (2017)

Among adolescent athletes, a high initial symptom burden (e.g. headache, nausea, vomiting) increases the odds of symptoms continuing beyond 28 days following injury.

The Child Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5th Edition (Child SCAT5)

“This article presents the Child Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5th Edition (Child SCAT5). Following the 4th International Consensus Conference, held in Zurich, Switzerland, in 2012, the SCAT 3rd edition (Child SCAT3) was developed for children aged between 5 and12 years. Research to date was reviewed and synthesised for the 5th International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport in Berlin, Germany, leading to the current revision of the test, the Child SCAT5.”

The Child Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 3rd Edition (Child SCAT3)

“The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) is used for assessing athletes for concussion. The Child-Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) 3 is used for evaluating injured children aged from 5 to 12 years, for concussion. The Child-SCAT3 is designed for use by medical professionals.”

Paediatric Care and Needs Scale (PCANS) 2

“The Paediatric Care and Needs Scale (PCANS) 2 is designed to measure the type and extent of support needs for young people aged 5 to 15 years who have a brain injury.”

Friends of Brain Injured Children (Australian Capital Territory)

Friends of Brain Injured Children, based in the Australian Capital Territory, “encourages the use of a wide range of early intensive therapies, and provides families of children with brain injury with support, information and financial assistance for therapy.”

HemiHelp

“HemiHelp is a membership organisation offering information and support to children and their families affected by hemiplegia. Hemiplegia is a lifelong condition caused by injury to the brain. It affects movement on one side of the body to a varying degree, and can also cause other less visible effects such as epilepsy, specific learning difficulties, anxiety or challenging behaviour.”

A Hit on the Head and Where it Led (2004) by Jennifer Cooper-Trent

“This is an informative children’s book for children who have sustained a brain injury.”

Step by Step: a Guide for Families of Children and Adolescents with a Brain Injury (2001)

A joint project by the Sydney and Westmead children’s hospitals and the Motor Accidents Authority (MAA) comprising five booklets on brain injury for children and adolescents with a brain injury.