Concussion in pediatric surgical patients scheduled for time-sensitive surgical procedures

BackgroundEach year in the United States approximately three million individuals sustain sport or recreation-related concussion which may occur in the setting of orthopedic trauma requiring surgical intervention under general anesthesia. The effects of surgery and general anesthesia on brain recovery are currently unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of recent sport concussion, recognized or not, in a preoperative, pediatric, surgical population.MethodsThe study involved administering a questionnaire to all eligible, consented patients in one of the following settings: Preoperative Clinic, Day Surgery Unit, Trauma Clinic, or inpatient floor. The questionnaire was designed to determine the occurrence and symptoms of a concussion. This study was conducted at an urban 395-bed comprehensive center for pediatric health, between May 2014 and April 2015. Inclusion criteria for study were age 5–21 years, presentation for surgical repair of orthopedic traumatic injury or nasal fract...