Retrospective cohort study reveals higher recovery rates and shorter clinic follow-up with early psychological care in pediatric concussion, suggesting the value of integrated behavioral health.
Objective To compare outcomes among children and youth (3-21 years) with post-concussion syndrome (PCS) who received early (≤8 days) embedded psychological intervention (EI) after the index visit with those who received usual care (UC) in a pediatric concussion program. Methods Retrospective cohort study at the Boston Medical Center Concussion Clinic (2015-2024) including 56 patients (EI n = 28; UC n = 28). Outcomes were follow-up time and recovery status at last follow-up. Mann-Whitney U and Fisher exact tests were used, with effect sizes (| r | and odds ratio [OR]). Results Follow-up time was shorter in EI ( P < .001; | r |=0.72). Recovery was higher in EI (57.1% vs 10.7%; OR 10.58, 95% CI 2.40-67.50; P = .005). Between-group differences persisted in a sensitivity analysis restricted to UC participants without major neurologic or neurodevelopmental complexity; the association with recovery remained significant after adjustment (aOR 10.14, 95% CI 1.25-226.95; P = .048). Conclusion Early embedded psychological intervention was associated with improved recovery outcomes in pediatric PCS.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Ortega et al. (2026) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: