child with a concussion

A recent study presented at the Association of Academic Physiatrists Annual Meeting found that children vary in the path they follow when recovering from concussions. In fact, the recovery process can be significantly different, and the study ultimately concludes that younger children and those who are high-school age should be considered as separate groups when it comes to concussion recovery.

The Course of Recovery

The study finds that while concussions are common in children, there’s not much literature related to how children typically recover from these injuries—especially when it comes to concussions that aren’t sports related and to children who are younger. The study’s main point of interest is how children’s levels of activity affect the amount of time it takes them to recover from a concussion.

The study looked at a variety of variables and ultimately concluded that for high-school aged children, being a boy and being involved in higher levels of exercise were both associated with a shorter recovery period. For children in lower grades, higher levels of both exercise and school participation—including attending class, doing homework, and taking tests—were indicators of a shorter recovery period.

An Individualized Approach

The study’s stated goal is to help identify those modifiable lifestyle factors that will help shape future recommendations for speedier concussion recovery. The study determined that high-school aged children and younger children should be considered as two separate groups when it comes to calculating risk factors for a prolonged concussion recovery. Additionally, the study concluded that participation in school and in physical activity aren’t generally harmful to children who are recovering from concussions and that these factors don’t typically prolong the recovery process. Finally, the study concludes that more in-depth research is in order.

Children and Concussions

Concussions in school-age children have gotten a significant amount of press lately—especially as they relate to high-impact school sports such as football and wrestling. A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury (TBI)—caused by trauma to the head—that affects the brain’s normal functioning.

A concussion’s negative effects are usually temporary and will gradually improve over time, but a concussion can lead to more significant and lingering health issues. While concussions are often called silent injuries—because they don’t always present with symptoms at the time they occur—there are some signs to look for if you think your child may have suffered a concussion:

  • Nausea
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • The sudden onset of fatigue
  • The sudden onset of headaches
  • An inability to concentrate
  • Balance difficulties

Any indication of a concussion necessitates immediate medical attention.

If Your Child Has Suffered a Concussion in a School Sport or on the Playground, Contact Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC in Duluth, Georgia, Today

If your child has suffered a significant concussion while on the playground or while participating in a school sport, you need skilled legal counsel. Attorney David Brauns at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, Personal Injury Firm in Gwinnett County, Georgia, has the experience, skill, and determination to advocate for your child’s rights. David is here to help, so please contact or call us at 404-418-8244 for a free consultation today.

I am the founding partner of Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC. I only represent plaintiffs in injury cases and only handle personal injury claims. This allows me to focus solely on personal injury litigation and devote myself to helping injured residents in Georgia recover fair compensation for their damages.