Looking at the Symptoms

New findings from a recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics suggest that children who suffer concussions may experience symptoms that linger longer than in adults, and some affected children may experience the effects of concussions later in life. Participants in the study were provided with a questionnaire after suffering a concussion. The answers provided show that headache is the most common immediate response to a concussion, but that emotional and cognitive problems may be experienced for weeks after the initial incident. Additionally, the symptoms experienced by the studied participants seemed to change over time, with headaches being alleviated and replaced with sleep disturbance and difficulty concentrating.

If Your Child Has Suffered a Concussion

It’s important for parents to pay extra attention to their children’s mood and general disposition after suffering a concussion. Although the immediate symptoms may have disappeared, lingering symptoms, such as depression and irritability, may set in days later. Your child may seem fine for the moment, but he or she may then become easily frustrated or unable to sleep through the night. It would be a good idea to keep a log of any changes that you notice over the course of a month after a concussion incident. This information can then be used by your child’s doctor to assess the situation in greater detail and with greater specificity.

Preventing Concussions in Children

In order to prevent concussions from occurring, there are a few simple tips to keep in mind. First, make sure your children are wearing the proper safety gear when participating in contact sports. Second, always ensure that your children are properly buckled and secured when riding in a vehicle. Young children may need extra adjustments to safety gear in your vehicle, and you should also have your vehicle’s air bag system checked on a regular basis to ensure that it will function properly in the event of an accident.

In the Event of a Concussion

If you or your child have suffered a concussion, contact the experts at The Neuro & Spine Wellness Center. Remember that it’s important to have the injury examined, even if symptoms seem to have dissipated, including headache, neck pain, or back pain. An experienced neurosurgeon can evaluate your condition using the latest in imaging technology, and if damage is found, a treatment plan can be created to mitigate the aftereffects.

To schedule your appointment, call the Neuro & Spine Wellness Center today at 214-494-0455.