Pediatric Concussion: Managing Persistent Symptoms With an Interdisciplinary Approach.

Abstract

We outline the development of a clinic that works directly with youth clients, their caregivers, and family members to help address symptoms that are persisting long after the youth sustained a concussion. Client referral characteristics are described, as well as general clinic flow and procedures. Particular emphasis is placed on a novel interdisciplinary team assessment pathway designed with input from clients and families to help provide consistent treatment plans, education, direction, and conclusions for those clients with complex psychosocial, cognitive, and physical presentations. The Persistent Concussion Clinic at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Youth with persistent concussion symptoms have limited access to interdisciplinary clinics and supports. This article outlines the practices of a large, hospital-based interdisciplinary clinic whose model can inform clinical care pathways and practices for this underserved population. Facilitators and barriers to access are discussed and future directions for the clinic and persistent concussion care in Ontario and internationally are reviewed.