A third of kids develop a mental health problem after concussion

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-04/mcri-ato042821.php

 

News Release 29-Apr-2021

Murdoch Childrens Research Institute

 

A third of children and adolescents develop a mental health problem after a concussion, which could persist for several years post-injury, according to a new literature review.


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It found up to 36.7 per cent experienced significantly high levels of internalising problems such as withdrawing, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress and 20 per cent externalising problems such as aggression, attention problems and hyperactivity after concussion compared with healthy children or children who sustained other injuries such as an arm fracture.

Pre-existing mental health problems were a strong predictor of post-concussion mental health issues. The review stated 29 per cent of children with a pre-injury mental health diagnoses received a new mental health diagnosis post-concussion. Up to 26 per cent without prior mental health problems went onto develop symptoms.

Ms Gornall said while significant improvements in mental health emerged between three and six months post-injury, a minority of children experienced persisting symptoms for several years afterwards. 

The findings come after a recent study, led by MCRI and published in The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, found having a traumatic brain injury in early childhood was associated with lower IQ scores that persist up to seven years post-injury.

Ms Gornall said concussion was a growing public health concern with a third of children experiencing a head injury before 13 years of age. 

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