Definition, Classification, and Epidemiology of Concussion

Abstract

The term "concussion" is often ambiguous for patients and caregivers, and likewise for many practitioners the definition remains imprecise. Our understanding of concussion over the last several years has grown and evolved due to the extensive data that is now being collected, and similarly, our definition of the term should too. While there is now more data and literature becoming available regarding pediatric concussion, it seems that there remains a lack of clarity and agreement about the definition and classification of concussion. This article aims to provide a brief review of the available literature on pediatric concussion definition and classifications, and hopefully present the most recent precise and accepted definition and classification system. Surely the definition of concussion will continue to evolve as new knowledge develops.