Concussion Treatment in Children and Teens Concussions require prompt diagnosis and treatment. Concussions are one of the top sports-related injuries. That’s why Connecticut Children’s Sports Medicine has developed a comprehensive, sports-related concussion program for adolescent and young adult athletes. This program helps to identify a concussion, helps identify signs of concussion, and treats children with concussions/ What is a Concussion? A concussion is a functional injury to the brain resulting from a traumatic hit to the head, face, neck or a blow to the body that delivers an impulsive force to the head (i.e. whiplash). A concussion injury occurs at the cellular level. After a hit occurs, calcium, which is located outside of the cell, floods into the cell, triggering an increased need for glucose from the brain. Glucose is required for energy production, which, in turn, is needed to allow healing to take place. In contrast, Potassium leaks out of the cell, resulting in a surge of events that ultimately end in vaso-constriction, meaning a decrease in the normal amount of blood that is delivered to the brain. This neuro-metabolic cascade that is occurring within the cells of the brain is simply an energy crisis: the brain is demanding glucose to heal from the injury and the body is not supplying the blood that carries the glucose. Our Concussion Services Comprehensive concussion management, including school and sport recommendations Therapeutic services, including physical therapy, vestibular therapy and speech therapy “Return-to-play” protocols Know The Signs of a Concussion In A Child The most commonly reported signs and symptoms of a concussion are: Headache Feeling slowed down “Fogginess” Difficulty concentrating Nausea Sensitivity to light Fatigue Sensitivity to noise Dizziness Balance problems How To Treat A Concussion In A Child Recognize that a concussion has occurred. Be aware and attentive about how an athlete feels if they have received a blow. Remove the athlete immediately from practice or competition. It is very dangerous to allow an athlete with symptoms to sustain another injury. Refer the athlete for medical care. It is critical that medical attention be given to an athlete with a concussion in a timely fashion to ensure the athlete receives proper treatment. Rest. In most cases, some degree of physical and congnitive rest is needed. Too much exertion can exacerbate symptoms and slow recovery. Concussions In Sports: Returning to the Field Athletes who receive concussion treatment will receive a customized scholastic and athletic plan matching their individual needs. More Information Myths about ConcussionsMyths about Concussions Loss of consciousness must occur for an athlete to have a concussion. False: Loss of consciousness is relatively uncommon and reported to occur in only 5-11% of adolescent sport-related concussions. The most commonly reported signs and symptoms are: Headache Feeling slowed down “Fogginess” Difficulty concentrating Nausea Sensitivity to light Fatigue Sensitivity to noise Dizziness Balance problems MRI and CT scan are negative and therefore the athlete does not have a concussion. False: A concussion is a functional injury, not a structural injury. MRI and CT scan will detect if a skull fracture or bleed has occurred, but they currently are not sensitive enough to detect the cellular dysfunction. Adolescent and adult recovery times from a concussion are the same. False: The brain continues to develop roughly up to the age of 22. During this developmental time, the brain is less resilient to the forces of a concussion. The typical time frame for recovery from a concussion is 7 to 10 days, but it is common for adolescents to take longer. If I wear a “concussion” helmet, headband or mouthguard, I will be protected from sustaining a concussion. False: Unfortunately there is no helmet, headband or any other type of protective equipment that can eliminate the chance of a concussion. The best prevention is to wear properly fitted equipment, avoid dangerous playing styles and immediately report if a concussion has occurred. Contact UsCall 860.284.0220 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our educational programs for coaches, athletes, parents and allied health professionals. Our Locations We now offer video visits for concussion management or in-person visits in our Farmington Specialty Care Center. Farmington, CT Connecticut Children’s Specialty Care Center 399 Farmington Avenue, 3rd floor Farmington, CT 06032 Learn more about this location » Our Providers
