The Rise in Concussions in Children

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that causes a temporary alteration in the way that your brain functions. This condition is serious, and repeated concussions can lead to permanent changes in the brain. Children who receive a concussion early in life or who experience multiple concussions are at an increased risk of complications.

What Is Fueling the Rise of Concussions in Children?

Orthopedic doctors are seeing an increase of concussions in children, as are emergency room physicians and other specialists across the country. One reason for the rise of concussions in children is an increase in the participation of contact sports. Football, soccer, basketball, and other intense physical activities may cause kids to run into each other or come into contact with an object that hits their heads. Other types of injuries, including automobile accidents and violence, can also cause concussions in kids. Increased awareness of concussion may also lead to an increase in the diagnosis of this condition.

Symptoms of a Concussion in a Child

Some kids have only mild concussion symptoms. In some cases, the symptoms take days or weeks to develop. The most common symptoms of a concussion in a child include confusion, headache, temporary loss of consciousness, amnesia of the event, dizziness, and ringing in the ears. Nausea, vomiting, and fatigue are also common symptoms of a concussion.

Causes of Concussions in Children

The most common cause of a concussion in a child is a blow to the head. The impact could come from running into another person, getting hit with a bat or a ball, or being shaken violently. A child who is improperly fastened in a car seat could have a concussion after a car crash. Orthopedic physicians diagnose concussion based upon a child’s symptoms and a physical exam. In some cases, a CT or MRI scan is needed in order to determine the extent of a child’s injury.

Concussion Risk Factors and Complications

Falling, playing in fast-paced, high-impact sports, being in an auto accident, or having a previous brain injury increase the risk of a concussion. If a child’s brain is not given time to rest, another injury may result in worse symptoms. A concussion that is left untreated may cause complications such as mood changes, headaches, and disorientation. Repeated concussions can lead to permanent brain injuries and orthopedic problems. Orthopedic doctors offer treatment for the complications of concussions.