Long-term Effects of Concussions in Children

In some cases, the effects of concussions can last for decades following an injury. Many of these long-term effects can have serious repercussions.

There can be abnormal brain wave activity for years following a concussion leading to attention problems. Those who return to active sports, school or play too quickly following an injury are more likely to sustain a second concussion. And repeated concussions will increase the risk for later developing dementia, Parkinsons and/or depression, headaches, a feeling of being in a fog, behaviourial changes and slowed reaction times.

Some studies indicate that even one concussion can result in long-term structural damage or brain atrophy. Children, particularly those between ten and seventeen years of age, who have sustained concussions may be more susceptible to long-term effects. An already vulnerable brain can be further injured if there is not rest both physically and mentally following a concussion. A child's brain continues to develop until they are twenty-five years old.

When I was sixteen years old, I sustained a concussion and a broken nose, while in an automobile accident. I was unconscious for a few minutes. I did not suffer any memory problems or any of the other symptoms except for a very bad headache and the feeling of being somewhat foggy for a short period of time. The headache, however, lasted for several years. I did not rest either mentally or physically following the concussion and my doctor's idea of treating my headaches was to attempt to hypnotize me.

About twenty years later, I began having mild seizures which, periodically over the years, became more frequent. I was eventually put on medication which cured my seizures and my headaches. Because of my experience, I can certainly attest to the importance of having proper care following a concussion.

At that time neither my parents or my doctor placed much importance on a 'bang on the head'. I think my parents felt a broken nose and a knock on the head were relatively minor; at least I was still alive. Over the years I have spent a lot of time working on keeping my brain sharp and my memory in good condition and in fact, I have an excellent memory. But there are many who, like me, did not receive the necessary follow-up treatment after a mild head injury and are not aware of the necessity of keeping their brains sharp as they age. Are they doomed to suffer from dementia?

It is for this reason that we need to protect our children, as much as possible, from receiving concussions and if they do, to ensure that they rest both physically and mentally until it is deemed that they are well enough to return to school and sports. If this is not done, the long-term consequences of concussions can affect their whole lives particularly as they age.