WASHINGTON, Jun 10, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- The International Conference on
Concussion in Sports says children and teens require different treatment for
concussions than adults, a U.S. researcher says.
The guidelines, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, say
children and teens must be strictly monitored and activities restricted -- no
return to the field of play, no return to school and no cognitive activity --
until fully healed.
"These consensus recommendations mark the first time that international experts
have focused on specialized treatment for kids," Dr. Gerard Gioia of the
Children's National Medical Center in Washington said in a statement. "This
conference of experts has led the way in developing protocols for adult
athletes, and now international protocols take into consideration that the
developing brain of the child and adolescent requires special consideration."
The guidance says:
-- No child or adolescent athlete should ever return to play on the same day of
an injury, regardless of level of athletic performance.
-- Children and adolescents may need a longer period of full rest and then
gradual return to normal activities than adults.
-- For children, "cognitive rest" is a key to recovery. While restrictions on
physical activity restrictions are also important, cognitive rest must be
carefully adhered to, including limits on cognitive stressors such as academic
activities and at-home/social activities including text messaging, video games
and television watching.
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