Adolescents Who Suffer Concussions Can Experience Prolonged Symptoms

Concussions suffered amongst adolescents are perhaps as big an issue as many previously thought. New research suggests that kids and young adults aged 11-22 can experience lingering effects of a concussion after physical symptoms subside.

It's no surprise that youth participation in football dropped 9.5% between 2010 and 2012 because of worry over concussions. According to ClearedToPlay.org, a registered non-profit organization that raises awareness about concussions, 15.8% of youth football players who sustain a concussion severe enough to cause loss of consciousness return to play the same day.

The latest study, conducted by researchers at the emergency medicine division at Boston Children's Hospital, found that emotional and mental symptoms of a concussion are likely to remain and resurface even after headaches, dizziness, and blurry vision are no longer. The study was published on Monday in the journal Pediatrics.

"Duration and Course of Post-Concussive Symptoms" examined 235 people aged 11-22 who suffered a concussion and went to a pediatric emergency department. All of the patients were either followed for three months after their injury or until their symptoms disappeared. The researchers found that the most common symptoms included headache, dizziness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and taking longer to think.

"Only by knowing what symptoms can be expected after a concussion can we help reassure patients and families that what they experience is normal, know when to seek additional help, and make sure that children are taking appropriate precautions in regard to school and sports to achieve a full recovery," said lead researcher Dr. Matthew Eisenberg, in this CBS News article.

The researchers found that sleep disturbance, frustration, forgetfulness, and fatigue were symptoms that developed during the follow-up period that weren't previously present. And still nearly a month after the injury, 25% of the participants continued to experience headaches, 20% suffered from fatigue, and almost 20% took longer to think.

As a result, Dr. Eisenberg suggests seeing a doctor if any of the above symptoms persist for two or three days following a concussion. It's also important to keep the patient out of school for a couple of days and then let them get back into a routine because going back too soon or staying out too long can have negative effects.