Exploring sex differences in pediatric mild traumatic brain injury: clinical characteristics and recovery patterns of pediatric mTBI patients with non-credible effort

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This study investigates sex differences in demographic and injury-related characteristics, along with recovery patterns, in children with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) who failed at least one Performance Validity Test (PVT). A retrospective analysis of 186 patients (8–18 years old; 65.1% females) from a specialty concussion clinic with non-credible effort on PVTs was conducted. Data on demographics, injury-related characteristics, symptoms, as well as recovery patterns, were analyzed. There were significant sex differences in age at injury, pre-injury academic status, ADHD prevalence, physical activity levels, and post-injury emotional symptoms. Girls exhibited longer recovery times, had more clinical visits, and received different provider recommendations. This study revealed significant sex differences between boys and girls with mTBI and non-credible effort on PVTs. These findings underscore the need for sex-informed approaches in pediatric mTBI management and highlight areas for future research.