New Guidelines for Children’s Concussions
New Children’s Concussion Guidelines
At least 1 million U.S. children experience a mild traumatic brain injury each year. Guidelines from the U.S. Government recommend against routine X-rays and blood tests for diagnosis and reassure parents that most kids’ symptoms clear up within a few months. Signs of more serious injuries may include vomiting, unconsciousness, and severe, worsening headaches.
The guidelines’ highlights include:
- X-rays and CT scans are not effective at detecting concussions. CT scans are preferred if a serious injury seems likely.
- Blood tests for detecting concussions haven’t been proven to work.
- Most children’s symptoms clear up within one to three months but recovery varies.
- Teens or kids with learning difficulties or those with mental illness tend to recover more slowly.
- Rest is important. Resting is recommended for the first 3 days but inactivity could worsen symptoms.
- Children with undiagnosed concussions are at risk for another one and longer recovery.
More about Concussions
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when a head impact shakes the brain inside the skull. Concussions could cause serious and possible permanent damage to the brain. Some may have obvious symptoms of a concussion while others may not. Football is one of the most popular sports in America but also can be one of the most dangerous. Concussions caused by contact sports such as football is a growing trend. If left untreated, concussions could result in long-term brain damage and could even be fatal. The American Academy of Pediatrics reported that ER visits for concussions in kids ages 8 to 13 years old has doubled, and concussions have risen nearly 200 percent among 14 – 19 year olds in the last decade.
Sports Concussion Statistics
- 3,800,000 injuries reported in 2012
- 33% of all sports concussions happened at practice
- 39% amount by which cumulative concussions are shown to increase catastrophic head injury leading to permanent neurological disability
- 47% of all reported sports concussions happened during high school football
- 33% of high school athletes who have a sports concussion report two or more in the same year
Possible Signs of a Concussion
- Dizziness/headache
- Balance issues
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Sensitive to light or noise
- Difficulty remembering/confused
- Loss of focus
- Sleeping more than usual
- Easily angered
- Nervous of anxious
- Sad or depressed
Concussion Prevention
- Ensure that your children follow their coaches’ rules for safety and the rules of the sport.
- Encourage them to practice good sportsmanship at all times.
- Make sure they wear the right protective equipment for their activity (helmets, padding, shin guards, etc.). This equipment should fit properly and be well maintained.
- Learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion.
Many events could cause a traumatic brain injury such as playing football or being involved in an auto accident. Any jolt of shake of the brain could be serious and you should always consult a medical professional. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence you should contact our experienced personal injury attorneys.