Paediatric concussion in general practice

BACKGROUND: General practitioners (GPs) have a key role in concussion diagnosis and management. Recent surveys have shown that GPs are competent in diagnosis but lack confidence in appropriate concussion management. Although some patients recover spontaneously, early education is valuable, and provision of evidence-informed, individualised management plans may facilitate recovery within typical recovery windows. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to provide GPs with contemporary recommendations on paediatric concussion diagnosis and management in the acute and subacute phases, and to highlight the benefit of a biopsychosocial approach and multidisciplinary management. DISCUSSION: Paediatric concussion management can be complex, requiring a biopsychosocial approach, including a thorough understanding of each individual paediatric patient's pre-concussion history. Given the relationship GPs have with their patients, they are well placed to coordinate multidisciplinary care. For paediatric patients who are at risk of a prolonged recovery or persisting symptoms, early identification and referral for multidisciplinary care are essential.