The effects of concussion in children
The young brain responds differently to trauma than the adult brain and is in some respects more vulnerable to damage with weaker necks and torsos being unable to absorb or brace for an impact.
There is currently only a limited scientific understanding of the effects of concussion on the developing brain, because studying these is difficult, reporting rates are low with societal norms and communication with a child more difficult.
Be ready and informed, many cases of head injury and concussion in the younger person will take significantly longer than their adult counterparts in life to see a reduction in symptoms with return to play, school and sport requiring much more planning and care then you think!
Diagnosing concussion in children
Although concussion will present in the same way as adults with many wide varying symptoms.
See a Blog on those HERE
Sporting based head injuries are more reported than play, as organised event with parents, coaches or first aid staff are often available. However, children can be often playing with little supervision around the home, at friends or even at school and as a result many head injuries can go unnoticed and unmanaged.
These are silent head injuries!
Diagnosis in children can be complicated with communication difficulties. Adults may be able to recognise and verbalise their symptoms, younger children can struggle with what they’re experiencing.
Leaving parents observing changes in behavior or mood, sleep disturbance, concentration or disturbance in focus and withdrawal from playing as odd, or unexplained.
Parents, coaches, teachers, doctors and physiotherapists must be more direct in their questioning of the youngster and observe their behaviours, taking note of any changes from the normal day to day and acting to treat this well. .
In recent years, forms of computer-based testing has been developed in order to determine changes in reaction time, memory and brain processing post injury. This can be quite engaging for adolescents in our ever-changing technological world.
