Detecting a possible brain injury such as concussion can be relatively easy when there are obvious signs. But not every young athlete who suffers a concussion playing sports will exhibit signs and/or symptoms [1] of concussion immediately after injury.
Indeed, children, when compared to adults, appear more likely to experience a more pronounced delay in the onset of symptoms, so that the severity of the concussion - even the diagnosis itself - might not be fully apparent until days after contact. There are also studies that suggest that the younger the child, the more delayed their symptoms may be, and the longer it may take to recover from those symptoms.1
The reason, explains sports concussion neuropsychologist and MomsTEAM expert Rosemarie Scolaro Moser, PhD [2], in her new book, Ahead of the Game [3], is that the cascade of chemical reactions2 triggered by the temporary disruption of the brain's delicate electrochemical balance which occurs as a result of a concussion leaves the brain in an "energy crisis, which may escalate over the next twenty-four to seventy-two hours as the brain attempts to heal itself."
This is also why, says Moser, a child's recovery after concussion may differ from those of adults, with children more likely to feel better initially, only to worsen days later.
Parents are often in the best position to spot the often subtle signs or symptoms of concussion, Moser advises parents of athletes in collision and contact sports to be vigilent, not just during and immediately after sports, but over the course of a sports season:
1. Field M, Collins M, Lovell M, Maroon J. Does age play a role in recovery from sports-related concussion? A comparison of high school and collegiate athletes. J of Pediatrics 2003;142:546:553.
2. Giza C, Hovda D. The neurometabolic cascade of concussion. J Ath Tr. 2001;36(3):228-325.
Posted July 9, 2012
Links:
[1] https://mail.momsteam.com/node/149
[2] https://mail.momsteam.com/node/3468
[3] https://mail.momsteam.com/node/5032
[4] https://mail.momsteam.com/node/3310
[5] https://mail.momsteam.com/users/dr-rosemarie-scolaro-moser
[6] https://mail.momsteam.com/health-safety/parents-critical-participants-in-recognition-treatment-recovery-concussion
[7] https://mail.momsteam.com/health-safety/signs-requiring-immediate-hospitalization-after-concussion