Concussion (Mar 2022)

Improving subacute management of post concussion symptoms: a pilot study of the Melbourne Paediatric Concussion Scale parent report

  • Gavin A Davis,
  • Vanessa C Rausa,
  • Franz E Babl,
  • Katie Davies,
  • Michael Takagi,
  • Alison Crichton,
  • Audrey McKinlay,
  • Nicholas Anderson,
  • Stephen JC Hearps,
  • Cathriona Clarke,
  • Remy Pugh,
  • Kevin Dunne,
  • Peter Barnett,
  • Vicki Anderson

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2217/cnc-2021-0007
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 1

Abstract

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Aim: To pilot a modification of the Post Concussion Symptom Inventory, the Melbourne Paediatric Concussion Scale (MPCS) and examine its clinical utility. Materials & methods: A total of 40 families of concussed children, aged 8–18 years, were recruited from the emergency department. Parent responses to the MPCS in the emergency department and 2-weeks post injury determined child symptomatic status. Association between MPCS symptom endorsement and symptomatic group status was examined. Results: All additional MPCS items were endorsed by at least 25% of the parents of symptomatic children at 2 weeks. MPCS items were classified into nine symptom domains, with most falling in mood, neurological, autonomic and vestibular domains. Conclusion: The additional items and domain classifications in the MPCS have the potential to improve subacute diagnostic precision, monitoring of clinical recovery and identification of appropriate interventions post pediatric concussion.

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