The Journal of Neuroscience published a study in 2012 with findings that a child’s brain may be more susceptible to the effects of a mild-to-catastrophic traumatic brain injury (TBI) than adults. The study indicates that when a child suffers a concussion, changes in the brain continue for longer periods of time after the symptoms of the injury have ceased. The study also shows concussions can alter the child’s developing brain’s white matter, which are longer fibers that carry information from one part of the brain to another part of the brain.
The research was conducted at the Mind Research Network and at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. The study narrowed their focus to study pre-teens and teens aged 10-17 who had only suffered mild traumatic brain injuries. The outcomes showed that the initial structural changes in the adolescent’s white matter apparent just fourteen days after the injury, were still evident more than three months later. Other symptoms from the brain injury had completely ended.
One of the researchers, Andrew Mayer, PhD, said, “These findings may have important implications about when it is truly safe for a child to resume physical activities that may produce a second concussion, potentially further injuring an already vulnerable brain.”
Concurrent concussions have proven to be catastrophic personal injuries to some. Researchers are finding that the structural changes differ greatly between adults and children indicating that the developing brain in a child is much more susceptible to injury. Whether you are an adult, parent or coach, dealing with concussions in adults and children should be taken seriously.
If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury to your brain, don’t take it lightly. Catastrophic injuries could result from not receiving proper care. The Personal Injury Attorneys at Paul Dickman want to ensure you receive the help and care you need, and the compensation needed to pay for that care. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Source: The Journal of Neuroscience; jneurosci.org
Posted in: Personal Injury