This blog post uses information obtained from an article on MSNBC.com. To read the article in its entirety, click here.

The long-term effects of concussions on the human body are just starting to be fully appreciated. The National Football League is now taking concussions seriously, and the trickle-down effect is leading to other sports and demographics. One demographic being closely monitored is that of children, both the 8 to 13 and 14 to 19 age groups.

A recent study “examined concussions in organized youth sports involving ages 8 to 19. ER visits for 14- to 19-year-olds more than tripled, from about 7,000 in 1997 to nearly 22,000 in 2007. Among ages 8 to 13, visits doubled, from 3,800 to almost 8,000.”

It’s a disturbing jump in both age groups, and one that likely won’t be curbed until parents and children fully understand the time needed for recovery.

A concussion is a brain injury. It is not to be taken lightly, and it certainly should not be “shaken off.” It can be difficult to diagnose, as consciousness is not typically lost upon suffering a concussion. The symptoms include nausea, headache, dizziness and trouble concentrating. It can often take months to fully recover.

During the recovery process, the main treatment is physical and mental rest. This can mean reducing schoolwork or staying home, and avoidance of TV, computer use and video games.

If concussions are not treated properly, there can be long-term effects such as learning difficulty, memory problems and chronic headaches. Multiple untreated concussions can and do result in permanent brain damage.

“Above all, anyone with a concussion should not return to sports or other physical exertion until their symptoms have disappeared.”

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