Head injury researchers have identified a 12-point risk score to predict how long children will suffer from concussion symptoms.

A Canadian team studied about 3,000 concussion victims ages 5 to 18, looking at 46 variables in the head injury and recovery process. From there, the team identified the nine that best predicted how long a victim suffered from his or her symptoms (about 30 percent of the children were still suffering 28 days after the concussion).

The team compiled those factors (like age, gender, concussion and other medical history, and problems with balance) into a test that anticipates a victim’s recovery time. All of them are data that would be compiled at an ER, so this offers the ability to crunch that information into a better treatment plan going forward.

Of course, the test will need to be further vetted and evaluated before it can be considered reliable, but this advancement could be a big factor in helping kids with concussions know what to expect as they deal with their head injuries.

*Scientists have no conclusive evidence as to whether or how the reduction of g-forces during impacts reduces the number or degree of concussions and head injuries. GelDefender products provide supplemental padding as well as cooling and comfort benefits when used with helmets and caps. Participants in activities in which head impacts can occur should always use tested and approved helmets for protection. However, no helmet or supplemental padding can protect the user from all serious head or neck injuries that can result from impacts.