Concussion risk and symptoms for kids in sports

Good Morning America

September 15, 2024

Reorter 1 (middle woman): Look at keeping our kids safe during sports. There are so many ways that organized sports can be beneficial. But there is always that risk of injury, especially concussions. So, joining us now with more on this is ABC medical correspondent, Dr. Darrien Sutton. Our very favorite, welcome. So great to have you. Concussions are top of mind after seeing that hit that the Dolphins Tua Tagovailoa’s suffered on the field last Thursday. What exactly happens during a concussion?

Dr. Darrien Sutton: Well, I am glad we bring it up because concussions are some of the common things that I see in the emergency room. So just to break it down to understand. When we are struck with a force, whether it be our body or our head, our brain moves within our skull and that can cause damage to delicate structures. We are talking about damage to nerves and blood cells, there can be tearing, there can be ripping. And also, at a cellular level we have seen in animal studies that there are chemical changes. The problem is that this damage can’t easily be tracked or found on CT scans or other forms of imaging like MRI’s. So, it leaves many patients concerned about their ability to fully acknowledge where their symptoms are coming from, and it can make management difficult as it is guided mainly by symptoms.

Reporter 2: And I didn’t even realize that just how dangerous these are. Until you started telling me about this. Even more dangerous if you are a kid, right? So, what are the symptoms and risks of a concussion?

Dr. Darrien Sutton: Well, the symptoms can be different from one person to another. We commonly see things like headaches, right. Nausea, blurred vision, but it can also cause things like dizziness, problems with memory, and sleep disturbance. And also, it is important to remember, and I tell patients this every time I discharge a patient with a diagnosis of a concussion. More concussions can equal more damage. It can lead to a problem called, chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Which can give symptoms of early dementia or premature dementia if not accurately treated and identified.

Reporter 3: It’s amazing, we are learning so much more about these and about head injuries over time. So, what is the best way to treat a concussion, if you think you have these symptoms.

Dr. Darrien Sutton: Rest is so important. Many times, we know historically, many patients, and I know I have this idea too. That you can’t sleep after you hit your head. I understand where that comes from but it’s important to know what the data states. It’s important to rest, especially within the first 48 hours. You want to decrease your brain work and that means putting away screens and stop doing things that provoke your symptoms. And then you can move to light exercise. You will want to avoid contact sports. And then you don’t want to resume contact sports until you are fully recovered. Many people do not know this, but there is a second concussion symptom that where if you get struck while you’re still healing from your first injury, it can lead to even more harm. It’s so important to be safe with concussions.

Reporter 2: Oh gosh, it is so important. Thank you for coming on. As always, Dr. Darrien Sutton. As always, we appreciate you.

Dr. Darrien Sutton: Thank you.

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