Concussion

Clinical Pathways promote evidence based, safe, and high-value care for patients by providing clinical recommendations and standard processes. They are developed by multidisciplinary committees of subject matter experts, informed by methodical review of available evidence and consensus among committee members. 

Clinical Pathway:

• Concussion Algorithm 
• Concussion Synopsis (provides care standards employed for this clinical pathway)

Additional tools associated with this Clinical Pathway:

• Concussion Guidance 
• Concussion Guidance - Spanish 
• Educational Accommodations for Concussion 
• Sleep Tips for Children and Teens 
• Sleep Tips for Children and Teens - Spanish 

Inclusion and exclusion criteria:

• Inclusion:
  • Children ≥ 5 years of age with concern for concussion/mild traumatic brain injury
  • Glasgow coma scale (GCS) 14 - 15
• Exclusion:
  • GCS < 14
  • Concern for stroke (refer to Stroke: Suspected)
  • Concern for C-spine injury
  • Child with global developmental delay

Committee members involved in the development:

• Greg Canty, MD | Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine Center | Committee Co-Chair
• Sathya Vadivelu, DO | Rehabilitation Medicine | Committee Co-Chair
• Amanda Nedved, MD | Urgent Care | Committee Member
• Ariel Alden, APRN, FNP-C, CPN | Urgent Care | Committee Member
• Ayman Abdul-Rauf, MD, FAAP | Emergency Department | Committee Member
• Trevor Gerson, MD | Neurology | Committee Member
• Maria Korth, PhD | Developmental and Behavioral Health | Committee Member
• Jill Vickers, MSN, RN-BC-CPN | Clinical Practice and Quality | Committee Member
• David Garcia, MD | Neurosurgery | Committee Member

Patient/Family Committee Member:  

• Kirsten Hudson | Committee Member

EBP Committee Members:  

• Jarrod Dusin, MS, RD, LD, CPHQ | Evidence Based Practice
• Todd Glenski, MD, MSHA, FASA | Anesthesiology, Evidence Based Practice
• Kelli Ott, OTD, OTR/L | Evidence Based Practice

Publication dates:

• Finalized date: 8/2023
• Next expected revision date: 8/2026

If you have any questions regarding this content or identify a broken link, please email evidencebasedpractice@cmh.edu. 

These pathways do not establish a standard of care to be followed in every case. It is recognized that each case is different, and those individuals involved in providing health care are expected to use their judgment in determining what is in the best interests of the patient based on the circumstances existing at the time. It is impossible to anticipate all possible situations that may exist and to prepare a pathway for each. Accordingly, these pathways should guide care with the understanding that departures from them may be required at times.