Each year, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) result in more than 2,000 deaths, 18,000 hospitalizations and 75,000 emergency department visits among New York State residents, according to the New York State Department of Health. With spring and summer upon us, many kids will be spending their time bicycling, skateboarding, riding ATVs and swimming, which predisposes them to accidents. As Chief of Neurology at Blythedale Children’s Hospital in Westchester County, which houses the newest and most modern brain injury treatment unit in the state, I want you to know many of these injuries are preventable. Following a few simple precautions could prevent many accidents, especially traumatic brain injury.
TBI In Children
The causes of TBI in children change with age. For infants, the most common causes are falls and physical abuse. In school-age children, automobile, bicycle and pedestrian accidents account for most injuries. In teens, automobile, sports and violence are responsible for the majority. Overall, bicycle-related injury is a leading cause of TBI hospitalizations and injury-related deaths.
Has Your Child Suffered a TBI?
In some cases, a child and his parents or guardians are unaware that the child has suffered a head injury, so it is critical for parents to know the signs of a mild TBI or a concussion. These can include headache, dizziness, fatigue, blurry vision, slowing of thought process, irritability, worsening of memory, or change in memory. Minor concussions sometimes occur without loss of consciousness. If a parent suspects a change in his child’s behavior or functioning, the pediatrician or family physician should be contacted immediately.
Some children recover from TBI completely. With more serious injuries, even if a patient looks completely normal, there can be permanent problems with memory, thinking and attention. Generally, motor functions improve before cognitive functions. Unfortunately, some families overlook or minimize cognitive difficulties because they are so happy to see their child survive an accident and walk.
Treating Concussions
First, parents, teachers, school nurses and coaches should be aware of the signs and symptoms, so they can recognize children and teens at risk. Second, rest is paramount. Simple measures such as ensuring adequate sleep, rest from physical work as well as cognitive work (avoidance of over-exertion) and adjustment of school work are essential. Appearance of symptoms (headache, dizziness, blurry vision, fatigue) are signals of over-exertion and mean demands need to be reduced. Third, if the child does not improve, then seeing a specialist is important. There is no set time after a concussion when a child or teen may return to play. This should be decided under the supervision of an experienced physician in a monitored and gradual approach.
Jay E. Selman, M.D. is Chief of Neurology at Blythedale Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, N.Y.
MORE INFORMATION ONLINE:
Jay E. Selman, M.D., reports on the “Top 7 Tips to Prevent Traumatic Brain Injuries” on our home page, westchsterfamily.com.Speligman, M.D., a pediatric cardiologist, discusses kids’ cholesterol
