We are all becoming more aware of the increased incidence and manifestations of concussions.

Professional athletes have their share of them as well as college athletes. But what concerns many parents are the post concussive duration of symptoms in their children for those under the age of 22. The common thought is that younger children and teens recover quicker because…well, their younger. But for some kids, the symptoms can last up to 3 months.

A recent study looking at duration and characteristics of post concussive symptoms looked at 235 patients ages 11-22 (mean age, 14) who presented in the E.R with a diagnosis of concussion. The most presenting physical symptom was headache (85%), followed by fatigue and dizziness. Cognitive symptoms included “taking longer to think” (58%), poor concentration and forgetfulness.  The most common emotional symptom was frustration (28%) followed by irritability, restlessness and depression.

While physical symptoms gradually improved over time, with the average duration of symptoms being 13 days, the emotional and cognitive symptoms continued to increase by day 7, until they gradually declined. So, 7 days after their concussion, 57% of patients reported that they had to limit their cognitive activity. At 28 days, about 25% of patients still experienced headache, fatigue, taking longer to think and poor concentration. By 90 days, only 5% of patients still had headaches. 

This is valuable information so parents can know that many kids may have an increase in emotional and cognitive symptoms post concussion and that limiting cognitive activity may help them as they continue to heal. Homeopathic Arnica is an excellent remedy to help reduce and shorten the duration of concussion symptoms. 

Reference: NEJM JW Pediat Adolesc Med Mar, 2014, p. 20, and Pediatrics 2014 Feb; 133:e299.