Concussion rates in children may be wildly underestimated

Concussion rates in children may be wildly underestimated

Every year, more than 44 million youth participate in sports, so an understanding of the frequency of concussions is essential. But a recent study discovered national rates are likely being underestimated.

The study published in the journal Pediatrics found that between 1.1 and 1.9 million sport-and-recreation-related concussions (SRRCs) occur annually in US children age 18 and younger. Of those concussions, researchers say more than half a million weren’t treated in ERs or by physicians.

“Many patients and families don’t realize there has been a concussion until a few days after the injury when they are displaying continued symptoms,” says Dr. David Lessman, an Advocate Children’s Medical Group pediatric sports medicine physician at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Ill. “Unfortunately, some athletes are still afraid of reporting their injury because they don’t want to get taken out of the game or lose their starting position on the team.”

According to Dr. Lessman, a concussion can be defined as “any hit to the head, face, neck or body that causes rapid movement of the brain inside the skull.”

Symptoms can begin to show immediately after the injury, or can show hours or even days later.

Symptoms from a concussion are divided into four categories: physical, cognitive, emotional and sleep-related, says Dr. Lessman.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some physical symptoms of concussions may include:

  • Headache
  • Fuzzy or blurry vision
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Sensitivity to noise or light
  • Balance problems
  • Feeling tired, having no energy

“A large number of concussions are still never seen by health care providers, and more education is needed so these injured athletes can get proper treatment,” says Dr. Lessman.

If your child starts to show symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention to ensure your child’s safety.

The Advocate Condell Comprehensive Concussion Program treats athletes and people of all ages that are experiencing concussion-like symptoms or are working to return from a concussion. The program offers baseline testing for athletes.

A baseline concussion test is taken before an athlete starts their sports season. The Concussion Program uses ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) to create a baseline and starting point for concussion care.

To schedule a test, please call 847-990-5555. Baseline testing is offered free of charge through Advocate Condell Medical Center.

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Comments

One Comment

  1. Kelly Moore PT, DPT, CTPS July 5, 2016 at 4:08 pm · Reply

    Dr. Lessman is AWESOME!!! Our Sports Med PT Team is honored and priviledged to get to work with him at Advocate Children’s Hopsital Park Ridge.

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health enews Staff
health enews Staff

health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.