Scientists from the world famous University of Oxford during the study found that even mild brain injuries cause long-term problems. Head injuries in childhood increase the likelihood of mental illness and premature death. Experts published the results of the study in the journal PLOS ONE.
Why are even minor injuries dangerous?
Children are clumsy and careless, so they often fall, which increases the risk of serious complications. Researchers have now discovered that even one light blow to the head can be devastating.
Even a small concussion in childhood can reduce school performance. Trauma also increases the likelihood of mental illness and premature death.
Researchers explain that already minor shocks have serious long-term effects.
The discovery of a new study is that not only serious brain injuries cause serious health problems. Doctors should be aware of this fact. Even small shocks can have long-term effects.
Some sports are at increased risk.
Scientists suggest that there should be stricter rules for certain sports where frequent clashes occur between participants. Football also belongs to these sports.
Doctors have already warned of this danger of concussion. Collisions during sports should be investigated to avoid later long-term damage.
The study focused on the so-called "head injury." The effects of blows to the head, which are strong enough to cause dizziness, were also studied.
Researchers estimate that in the UK alone, about 10% of children receive such injuries in childhood.
Researchers Examined Over One Million People
For the study, scientists analyzed the data of more than 1 million Swedish people. According to scientists, all participants were born between 1973 and 1985. It was found that about 9.1% of people suffered a head injury before their 25th birthday.
Some of the blows to the head were so strong that the injured patients had to stay in the intensive care unit for months. However, most of the injuries were mild concussions, the researchers say.
There were up to 58% injured from traumatic contusion. The chances of getting inpatient treatment for psychiatric problems were almost 2 times higher. The authors claim that the risk of dying before age 41 has even increased by 72%.
Multiple concussion increased the risk even more. Traumatic concussion was more dangerous in adolescence than in younger ones.
Brain Injury Warning Signs
Parents should contact the emergency room if the child has the following symptoms:
- constant drowsiness;
- worse headache;
- general weakness, deafness and impaired coordination;
- repeated vomiting or nausea;
- tremor or twitching;
- unusual behavior, anxiety, or excitement;
- loss of consciousness.
Better Prevention Required
The solution to the problem is prevention. You should not lead a completely safe and reinsurance life and neglect sports and exercise. Experts explain that lack of activity can also have a negative impact on future health.
All physical contact sports should not be prohibited. You need to make sure that the rules are followed better. For example, more than 20% of shakes in rugby are caused by a violation of the rules of the game, the researchers add.
Mild brain damage should be detected faster.
Damage to the brain can lead to physical and psychosocial consequences for the rest of your life. As a rule, it is important to better understand the effects of traumatic concussion. This is the only way to recognize problems at an early stage.
Unfortunately, treating a concussion is often not enough. Doctors are just developing a blood test that shows a concussion. New diagnostic methods will help you quickly recognize and treat head injuries.
