New contribution from a personal injury law firm, sharing useful information in respect of identifying signs of concussion.
Parents, coaches, and teachers frequently overlook concussions by characterizing physical impact as a minor ‘bonk on the head.’ For example: When a child or teen takes a hit while playing sports, they are usually assessed quickly at the sidelines. But soon after, the victim is put right back into the game and sent to school the next day. These practices ignore the dangers of leaving a concussion untreated and overworking an injured brain. The signs and symptoms of a concussion may not appear for up to 48 hours, which explains why victims and their caregivers often make this mistake.
Young people experience concussions very differently from adults. This makes the injury even more difficult to identify immediately after impact.
What is a concussion?
According to the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, a concussion
occurs when the brain is rapidly shaken up in the skull. This usually
happens after a direct hit in the head or a blow to the body that causes a
sudden jerk of the head or neck. Although concussions mainly occur during
contact sports, it can happen during seemingly innocent play at recess, for
example. An untreated concussion can lead to long-term health risks if
not dealt with promptly and adequately.
Concussions in
Children vs. Adults
Pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Todd Maugans led a study, published in
the Journal of American Academy of Pediatrics. This study
identified the significant differences in concussive symptoms between children
and adults. It found:
- Symptoms in young people last longer;
- Children also exhibit emotional symptoms (i.e., irritability and sadness); and
- Recovery from those symptoms takes longer than adults.
Some examples of red flag symptoms in children include:
- Repeated vomiting;
- Deteriorating or loss of consciousness; and
- Complaints of neck pain, double vision, and headache.
Educating the Public
The BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit has published a new web-based
tool for parents and coaches. It is known as CATT – Concussion Awareness Training Tool. The
initiative works with experts in sports medicine to publish current,
evidence-based research on concussions. The team helps a variety of
groups identify concussion signs and understand appropriate treatments
specifically geared towards young people. The groups benefitting from
this information include medical professionals, players, coaches, and parents.
The CATT promotes concussion management in the healthcare community through an additional resource known as the ‘Concussion Clinical Toolkit.’ Healthcare providers and other professionals can access expert discussions on the assessment/management of concussion in young patients. Its database sets out specific guidelines for treatment and diagnosis.
The CATT website also provides a variety of other resources. They range from educational videos to helpful checklists that will help you identify concussive symptoms. There are also insightful stories from young people describing their journey to recovery. A series of professional athletes have also contributed to the CATT.
It is essential to stay educated on how young people experience concussions. Reviewing the CATT is one of the best ways to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. No matter how careful or athletic a child may be, no one is immune to a concussion —look at Sidney Crosby.
Bogoroch & Associates LLP has extensive experience in Personal Injury Law and firmly believes that victims of injury are entitled to access to justice.