Evidence Selection Criteria

To access the full published Living Concussion Guidelines protocol, click on the following link: Protocol for a living systematic review for the management of concussion in adults

The criteria for literature included in the review are: 

• Studies related to concussion diagnosis/assessment or treatment
• At least 50% of sample has concussion (e.g., a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13-15, confirmation through a standardized concussion assessment tool, diagnosis by a physician or nurse practitioner) in cases where one group is analyzed
• At least 50% of the sample is 18 years of age or older
• The sample is human
• Peer-reviewed observational studies (cross-sectional, cohort, case-control), clinical trials, qualitative studies, systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines are included
• Documents are limited to English language and publication from May 2017 because that covers the literature that did not inform the Guideline for Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Persistent Symptoms: 3rd Edition

The criteria for literature excluded in the review are: 

• Studies that focus on moderate or severe TBI (i.e., a Glasgow Coma Scale Score of less than 13)
• More than 50% of sample has moderate or severe TBI in cases where one group is analyzed
• More than 50% of sample is under 18 years of age
• The sample is not human
• Case reports/n of 1 studies, non-systematic reviews, conference abstracts/presentations, theses, non-peer-reviewed articles (e.g., newspaper articles), letters or commentaries, addendums/erratums and book chapters are excluded
• Documents not available in English, published before May 2017, or originating from the grey literature are also not included