Citation

Keightley ML, Chen JK, Ptito A. Curr. Opin. Pediatr. 2012; 24(6): 709-716.

Affiliation

aBloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital bDepartment of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy cGraduate Department of Rehabilitation Science dDepartment of Psychology, University of Toronto eToronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, Ontario fCognitive Neuroscience Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital gDepartment of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University hMcGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/MOP.0b013e3283599a55

PMID

23080128

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This study presents the findings from a scoping review of recent, original research investigating changes in brain structure and/or function following pediatric concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) using MRI and functional MRI techniques. RECENT FINDINGS: Our scoping review identified only five studies, two of which were focused specifically on sports-related concussion. A common finding across studies was that traditional structural methods such as anatomical T1, T2, and even susceptibility-weighted MRI failed to reveal abnormalities in brain structure following pediatric concussion/mTBI. Although data suggest alterations in brain function associated with concussion, correlation with changes in performance is inconsistently found, possibly because of the use of compensatory cerebral mechanisms or alternate pathways while the brain is still dysfunctional. SUMMARY: In conclusion, the literature describing neuroimaging investigations of pediatric concussion is too scarce to allow the formulation of definitive conclusions regarding the impact of concussion on the developing brain. There is a dire need for longitudinal, multisite investigations focused on a wider age range and recovery period.

Language: en