OPINION: Concussion protocols a must for all causes

Sept. 10--Concussions and their aftermaths have garnered plenty of media coverage in the past few years -- and for good reason. A blow to the head will usually cause the brain to move around in the skull, much like a baby rattle.

Despite natural cushioning, some hits result in damage, which may take years to manifest itself. This is what we are seeing now with the more than 100 cases of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in former NFL players.

Coaches, parents, school officials and athletic associations now take concussions and CTE seriously. And it's not just with football players.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released new guidelines for concussion protocols for any childhood head injury, from sports to playground mishaps to traffic accidents.

The guidelines are the first "broad evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and treating children's concussions," the researchers said in an Associated Press story. "They evaluated 25 years of scientific research on managing concussions in children and chose procedures with the strongest evidence of benefit."

The CDC also recommended against routine X-rays and blood tests, as they are not good diagnostic tools for concussions. Instead, CT scans are initiated if the signs of injury are serious such as vomiting, unconsciousness, and severe and worsening headaches. Researchers also found "most children's symptoms clear up within one to three months, but recovery varies and can be delayed in kids who've had previous concussions."

Of bottom-line importance is the child's communication with parents and other adults if he or she experiences any concussion symptoms -- the sooner the better.

"Some children and teens think concussions aren't serious or worry that if they report a concussion they will lose their position on the team or look weak. Remind them that it's better to miss one game than the whole season," said CDC brain injury specialist Matthew Breiding, a co-author of the guidelines.

That's a difficult mindset to overcome, but inroads have been made. Participation in high school football has decreased by 21,000 since 2016.

It is estimated 1 million U.S. children get concussions each year. Exact numbers are unknown, however, because we lack a national tracking system. The CDC encourages such a program be established and use of the new guidelines to improve detection and treatment.

There are risks to any activity, and it's foolish to think we can live our lives in a padded room free from harm. But we can make our journey safer if we are armed with solid scientific information instead of wild speculation, folk tales and ignorance. The new guidelines will go a long way toward that goal.

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