New kids concussion guidelines could change global practices

CALGARY — A University of Calgary researcher says new concussion guidelines in the United States could change care for all children with mild traumatic brain injuries.

The guidelines, initiated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and released Tuesday, include recommendations on the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of mild concussions.

Keith Yeates, who runs the Integrated Concussion Research Program at the University of Calgary and co-authored the report, said they will better help doctors deal with the cases.

“What we hope they do will affect how kids with concussion and mild traumatic brain injury are cared for — not just in the United States, but hopefully have an impact worldwide,” he said Tuesday.

Some of the key recommendations include avoiding routine X-rays, CT scans and blood tests for diagnosis. They recommend that rest not last longer than one to three days after the injury. They also reassure parents that most children’s symptoms clear up within one to three months.

Guidelines suggest signs of more serious injuries that may warrant imaging scans include vomiting, unconsciousness and severe worsening headaches.

Concussions, or mild traumatic brain injuries, are caused by a bump or jolt to the head that causes the brain to bounce or twist, and possible damaging brain cells. There is a balance, Yeates said.

“We want parents to be aware and we certainly want them to seek appropriate care, but we also want to send the message — and it’s in the guidelines — that the majority of kids recover well and reasonably quickly.”

The guidelines, which were published in the health journal JAMA Pediatrics, are based on an evaluation of 25 years of scientific research on managing concussions in children.

Yeates said the guidelines look at more serious injuries and extend it beyond sport concussions.