Childhood Concussions Frequently Go Untreated

Concussions are a hot topic recently. The blockbuster film starring Will Smith brought the story of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) to the public, showing a side of professional sports that the league worked long and hard to hide. The topic has been trending for many months, and new research has revealed just how common sports- and recreation-related concussions, or SRRCs, (the most minor form of traumatic brain injury) actually are.

Researchers collaborate to analyze mountains of data

ABC News reported, “Researchers from the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Research Institute, together with colleagues at the University of Colorado, found that between 1.1 and 1.9 million children may suffer an SRRC every year… Alarmingly, researchers estimated that between 511,590 and 1,240,972 SRRCs went untreated in children under 18 each year” [emphasis ours].

Not recognizing a concussion can have lifelong effects. “Second impact syndrome” occurs when a second concussion is sustained before recovering from the initial insult; brain swelling can result in severe and permanent brain damage. With almost 2 million children suffering minor concussions every year, parents need to be informed of the signs and symptoms of concussions, which the National Institutes of Health says can include:

• Seizures
• Trouble walking or sleeping
• Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
• Repeated vomiting or nausea
• Confusion
• Slurred speech

When you see something, say something

Unfortunately, the effects of a concussion may not be immediately obvious. Symptoms can take days or weeks to become apparent depending on the severity of the injury. If your child displays any of the symptoms of concussion, seek professional medical help immediately. While mild concussions typically resolve without treatment, rest is recommended until symptoms clear up, and a professional medical examination is the only way to determine the extent of TBI.

If your child suffered a concussion after an accidental impact, you may be entitled to compensation for medical treatment. The experienced South Carolina traumatic brain injury attorneys at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips LLC can evaluate your case and help get you the compensation you deserve. Call 803-327-7800 or contact us today for a free consultation.