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Beauchamp MH, Anderson V, Ewing-Cobbs L, Haarbauer-Krupa J, McKinlay A, Wade SL, Suskauer SJ. Early Childhood Concussion. Pediatrics 2024:e2023065484. [PMID: 39380506 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-065484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The unconsolidated motor and cognitive skills that are typical of the early childhood period place infants, toddlers, and preschoolers at risk for a variety of traumatic injuries. Such injuries may include mild traumatic brain injury or concussion. Knowledge regarding the risk, diagnosis, outcomes, and management of early childhood concussion is limited, especially compared with what is known about concussion in school-age children, adolescents, and adults. This state-of-the-art review aims to provide current knowledge on the epidemiology, physical signs, behavior, and clinical outcomes associated with early childhood concussion. Research on this condition has been challenged by the need to adapt methods to the unique physical, behavioral, and developmental characteristics of young children. We provide information on observable symptoms associated with concussion, recommended approaches to care, and suggestions for overcoming barriers to research in this area. Developmentally appropriate efforts are needed to improve our ability to identify, evaluate, and treat early childhood concussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam H Beauchamp
- Sainte-Justine Azrieli Research Center, and Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Vicki Anderson
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, and School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Linda Ewing-Cobbs
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Learning Institute, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Audrey McKinlay
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, and School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, Ilam, Christchurch, New Zealand, and Queens University, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Shari L Wade
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Stacy J Suskauer
- Kennedy Krieger Institute and Departments of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Dupont D, Tang K, Beaudoin C, Dégeilh F, Gagnon I, Yeates KO, Rose SC, Gravel J, Burstein B, Stang AS, Stanley RM, Zemek RL, Beauchamp MH. Postconcussive Symptoms After Early Childhood Concussion. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e243182. [PMID: 38512252 PMCID: PMC10958232 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.3182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Research on postconcussive symptoms (PCS) following early childhood concussion has been hindered by a lack of measures suitable for this age group, resulting in a limited understanding of their evolution in young children. Objective To document PCS in the first 3 months after early childhood concussion using a developmentally appropriate measure. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study used data collected at 3 Canadian and 1 US urban pediatric emergency departments (EDs) and 8 Canadian daycares from December 2018 to December 2022 as part of the Kids' Outcomes and Long-Term Abilities (KOALA) project, a prospective, multicenter, longitudinal cohort study. Participants included children aged 6 to 72 months with early childhood concussion or orthopedic injury (OI) or uninjured children from the community to serve as controls. Data were analyzed from March 2023 to January 2024. Exposure Concussion sustained between ages 6 and 72 months. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcomes were cognitive, physical, behavioral and total PCS assessed prior to injury (retrospectively), acutely (within 48 hours), and at 10 days, 1 month, and 3 months after injury or recruitment through caregiver observations using the Report of Early Childhood Traumatic Injury Observations & Symptoms inventory. Group comparisons were analyzed using ordinal regression models. Results The study included 303 children (mean [SD] age, 35.8 [20.2] months; 152 [50.2%] male). Of these, 174 children had a concussion (mean [SD] age, 33.3 [19.9] months), 60 children had an OI (mean [SD] age, 38.4 [19.8] months) and 69 children were uninjured controls (mean [SD] age, 39.7 [20.8] months). No meaningful differences were found between the concussion and comparison groups in retrospective preinjury PCS. Significant group differences were found for total PCS at the initial ED visit (concussion vs OI: odds ratio [OR], 4.33 [95% CI, 2.44-7.69]; concussion vs control: OR, 7.28 [95% CI, 3.80-13.93]), 10 days (concussion vs OI: OR, 4.44 [95% CI, 2.17-9.06]; concussion vs control: OR, 5.94 [95% CI, 3.22-10.94]), 1 month (concussion vs OI: OR, 2.70 [95% CI, 1.56-4.68]; concussion vs control: OR, 4.32 [95% CI, 2.36-7.92]), and 3 months (concussion vs OI: OR, 2.61 [95% CI, 1.30-5.25]; concussion vs control: OR, 2.40 [95% CI, 1.36-4.24]). Significant group differences were also found for domain-level scores (cognitive, physical, behavioral) at various time points. Conclusions and Relevance In this early childhood cohort study, concussion was associated with more PCS than OIs or typical development up to 3 months after injury. Given the limited verbal and cognitive abilities typical of early childhood, using developmentally appropriate manifestations and behaviors is a valuable way of tracking PCS and could aid in concussion diagnosis in young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Dupont
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche Azrieli du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ken Tang
- Independent Statistical Consultant, Richmond, British Columbia
| | - Cindy Beaudoin
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche Azrieli du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Fanny Dégeilh
- Univ Rennes, CNRS (Centre national de recherche scientifique), Inria, Inserm, IRISA (Institut de recherche en informatique et systèmes aléatoires) UMR (Unité mixte de recherche) 6074, EMPENN - ERL (Equipe de recherche labellisée) U1228, Rennes, France
| | - Isabelle Gagnon
- Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Keith Owen Yeates
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sean C Rose
- Child Neurology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine Columbus, Columbus
| | - Jocelyn Gravel
- Centre de recherche Azrieli du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Brett Burstein
- Montreal Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Antonia S Stang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta, Canada
| | - Rachel M Stanley
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine Columbus, Columbus
- Emergency Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Roger L Zemek
- Departments of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Miriam H Beauchamp
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche Azrieli du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Dupont D, Larivière-Bastien D, Caron JG, Beaudoin C, Gravel J, Gagnon I, Burstein B, Beaudin M, Rose SC, Yeates KO, Beauchamp MH. "What If?": Caregivers' Experiences Following Early Childhood Concussion. J Pediatr Psychol 2023; 48:971-981. [PMID: 37579243 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsad044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Little is known about the symptoms, signs, and management guidelines for children under the age of 6 years after they sustain a concussion. Caregivers of such young children may have unique concerns and encounter different challenges from those of school-age children given the distinctive developmental characteristics of the early childhood period. This study aimed to explore the experience of caregivers through semistructured interviews to inform clinical practice. METHODS Fifty caregivers of children aged 6 months to 5.99 years were interviewed 3 months postinjury for this qualitative study to document their experience in relation to their child's accident, recovery, and healthcare provisions. RESULTS Four main themes were identified: (1) visible changes associated with caregiver concerns, (2) a roller-coaster of emotions after the injury, (3) healthcare providers' role in addressing the need for reassurance, and (4) the need for better information after the injury. CONCLUSION The findings provide critical insight into the unique experiences and information needs of caregivers of young children who sustain concussion. The challenges identified can inform healthcare professionals regarding the needs of caregivers after early concussion and contribute to building a knowledge base for the development of age-appropriate anticipatory guidance for caregiver mental health and child recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Dupont
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Canada
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Canada
| | - Danaë Larivière-Bastien
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Canada
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Canada
| | - Jeffrey G Caron
- School of Kinesiology and Physical Activity Sciences, University of Montreal, Canada
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Canada
| | - Cindy Beaudoin
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Isabelle Gagnon
- Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Canada
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Canada
| | - Brett Burstein
- Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Canada
| | - Myriam Beaudin
- Department of Psychology, University of Quebec in Montreal, Canada
| | - Sean C Rose
- Department of Neurology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, USA
| | - Keith O Yeates
- Department of Psychology, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Miriam H Beauchamp
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Canada
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Canada
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Behavioral-play familiarization for non-sedated magnetic resonance imaging in young children with mild traumatic brain injury. Pediatr Radiol 2023; 53:1153-1162. [PMID: 36823374 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-023-05592-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) sustained in early childhood affects the brain at a peak developmental period and may disrupt sensitive stages of skill acquisition, thereby compromising child functioning. However, due to the challenges of collecting non-sedated neuroimaging data in young children, the consequences of mTBI on young children's brains have not been systematically studied. In typically developing preschool children (of age 3-5years), a brief behavioral-play familiarization provides an effective alternative to sedation for acquiring awake magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a time- and resource-efficient manner. To date, no study has applied such an approach for acquiring non-sedated MRI in preschool children with mTBI who may present with additional MRI acquisition challenges such as agitation or anxiety. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a brief behavioral-play familiarization for acquiring non-sedated MRI for research purposes between young children with and without mTBI, and to identify factors associated with successful MRI acquisition. MATERIALS AND METHODS Preschool children with mTBI (n=13) and typically developing children (n=24) underwent a 15-minutes behavioral-play MRI familiarization followed by a 35-minutes non-sedated MRI protocol. Success rate was compared between groups, MRI quality was assessed quantitatively, and factors predicting success were documented. RESULTS Among the 37 participants, 15 typically developing children (63%) and 10 mTBI (77%) reached the MRI acquisition success criteria (i.e., completing the two first sequences). The success rate was not significantly different between groups (p=.48; 95% CI [-0.36 14.08]; Cramer's V=.15). The images acquired were of high-quality in 100% (for both groups) of the structural images, and 60% (for both groups) of the diffusion images. Factors associated with success included older child age (Β=0.73, p=.007, exp(B)=3.11, 95% CI [1.36 7.08]) and fewer parental concerns (Β=-1.56, p=.02, exp(Β)=0.21, 95% CI [0.05 0.82]) about the MRI procedure. CONCLUSION Using brief behavioral-play familiarization allows acquisition of high-quality non-sedated MRI in young children with mTBI with success rates comparable to those of non-injured peers.
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Beauchamp MH, Séguin M, Gagner C, Lalonde G, Bernier A. The PARENT model: a pathway approach for understanding parents’ role after early childhood mild traumatic brain injury. Clin Neuropsychol 2020; 35:846-867. [DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2020.1834621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. H. Beauchamp
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Canada
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - M. Séguin
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Canada
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - C. Gagner
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Canada
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - G. Lalonde
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Canada
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - A. Bernier
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Canada
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