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Lucy HallsLittle British girl with permanent consequences after concussion
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Head Injury and Its Lasting Consequences
- Concussion's Impact on Children
- Mechanisms of Concussion
- Permanent Effects
- Vulnerability of Preschoolers
- Lucy's Story
- Diagnosis and Management
Early Head Injury and Its Lasting Consequences
Ten-year-old Lucy Hall's fall down the stairs six years ago initially concerned her parents about a minor skull fracture. However, the concussion she also sustained has had far more enduring consequences, affecting her personality, memory, and communication skills.
Concussion's Impact on Children
A Canadian study published in May 2016 found that even mild concussions can significantly impact a child's personality, development, and communication abilities. Researchers assessed 130 children aged five and under, one-third of whom had suffered concussions, one-third had minor orthopedic injuries, and the rest had no injuries. Six months after the injuries, researchers observed significant differences in communication and engagement with parents among those diagnosed with concussions.
Mechanisms of Concussion
Concussions occur when the brain is jostled within the skull, causing stretching, deformation, and tears in the brain's connecting fibers. This disrupts communication between brain regions, leading to brief unconsciousness or disorientation. While most concussion symptoms like confusion, coordination issues, nausea, headaches, and dizziness subside within a few weeks, subtler but potentially more severe consequences can persist for years.
Permanent Effects
"Sometimes the consequences can be permanent," says Dr. Colin Shiff, a consultant neurosurgeon at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. "There can be cognitive impairments, personality changes, even depression and anxiety."
Vulnerability of Preschoolers
Preschool children may be more susceptible to concussions than adults because their brains are still developing and myelination (the protective insulation of nerve fibers) is ongoing. Their heads are also disproportionately large compared to their bodies, and their weaker muscles make them less resistant to external forces.
Lucy's Story
After her fall, Lucy's parents initially noticed only drowsiness. However, her speech became slurred, and she struggled to recall certain words. A visit to a pediatrician confirmed a concussion. Speech therapy was recommended, but even after four months, Lucy still faces challenges with word retrieval. Her mother believes Lucy will likely have lifelong problems with word recognition and short-term memory.
Diagnosis and Management
Concussions must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional trained in assessing head injuries. This assessment will rule out more serious brain injuries that may require MRI scans or surgery. A study found that only 8% of UK hospitals provided discharge information up to the standards set by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), while 53% failed to provide even half of the recommended information.
