HEALTH

Head smart: Best ways to manage concussion in kids

13 August, 2023 . 0

A ‘knock to the head’ might seem part of the rough and tumble of childhood. But as we learn more about concussion, it’s worth knowing the signs of a brain trauma.

When former rugby league great Wally Lewis recently revealed he has been diagnosed with a form of dementia correlated with repeated head knocks, it added further gravity to the growing concern around the long-term effects of head injuries in sports.

And when you consider approximately one in five children is likely to experience a concussion by the age of 10 years in Australia, how worried should parents be about their child’s physical activity?

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a disturbance to the brain function and can range in severity, usually occurring as a result of an indirect or direct injury to the head.

While often referred to as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), it is something not to be taken lightly general practitioner Dr Tanya Unni says.

“Despite being labelled as ‘mild’, it’s essential to recognise that concussions are still serious and require proper attention,” Dr Unni says.

“Even though they may not always involve visible physical damage, concussions can have significant effects on a child’s developing brain.”

Listen to Murdoch Children’s Research Institute’s Professor Vicki Anderson interview about childhood concussion on The House of Wellness Radio show (August 13, 2023):

The long-term effect of a single concussion

Although it is natural for parents to worry about the long-term impact of a concussion on their child, it is rare for a single concussion to lead to long-term brain damage.

A 2012 study led by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Professor Vicki Anderson found kids who’ve had a mild concussion did not present significant cognitive deficits after a 10-year observational period.

“They’re equally as well if not better than our healthy control group that didn’t have concussions,” Prof Anderson explains.

“So, one concussion is not something to worry about, it’s when we get into multiple concussions that we then start thinking about what’s the risk ratio for kids.”

The health risks of multiple concussions

Wally Lewis’s chronic traumatic encephalopathy diagnosis highlights the risks associated with repeated knocks to the head, and research suggests younger brains are especially more susceptible to multiple concussions.

Dr Unni explains while a single concussion can have short-term impacts on cognitive abilities, multiple concussions could potentially lead to something long term.

“There is a growing body of research indicating a connection between head injuries sustained during sports and the potential for cognitive decline, dementia, and memory recall issues later in life,” she says.

One study found those who suffered from severe or multiple TBIs had a higher risk of a dementia diagnosis, while another suggested an increased likelihood of poorer attention and working memory.

How to manage a concussion

Treatment after a concussion is important for recovery, Prof Anderson says, with rest and a gradual return to exercise being key.

“This whole process of increasing the activities while monitoring the symptoms is really critical,” she says.

“Even if they’ve got symptoms, we get them to increase the exercise so they’re just walking around the house, around the block and if that’s ok, we get them maybe doing something a little bit more active.

“Most kids are better, some within a couple of days, but our research shows 70 per cent are better after two weeks.”

Dr Unni recommends ensuring coaches, teachers and caregivers are aware of the various safety protocols and injury recognition.

“Parents should keep a vigilant watch for signs like headaches, dizziness, alterations in mood or behaviour, trouble concentrating, and heightened sensitivity to light or noise,” she says.

“If any of these symptoms manifest or intensify, it’s important to promptly seek medical attention for further assessment.”

And if you’re unsure if your child has a concussion, Prof Anderson’s advice is simple:

“When in doubt, sit them out,” she says.

“Sometimes it’s hard to know whether a kid’s had a concussion or not.

“So take them off the ground and sit out the rest of the game – even if they’re not sure there’s been a concussion.”

For more tips on kids’ safety and wellness:

Written by Melissa Hong.