Youth Athletes Are At Risk of Concussion Misdiagnosis (Updated)

With so much recent media attention concerning concussion injuries, it is often a parent’s greatest concern when watching their child on game night.

Note: Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic in Oakville and Burlington are trained to test you and your team for concussions and recommend the proper recovery.

Misdiagnosing concussions in children can have serious implications for their health and recovery. Concussions can be challenging to identify accurately due to a variety of factors. Below are some common reasons why children may be misdiagnosed for concussions:

1. Overlapping Symptoms: Concussion symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions, such as migraines, fatigue, stress, or anxiety.
2. Subtle Symptoms: Some concussion symptoms may be mild or vague, making them hard to distinguish from normal behavior or minor illnesses.
3. Delayed Onset: Symptoms of a concussion may not appear immediately, leading parents or caregivers to miss the connection to a recent head injury.
4. Communication Barriers: Younger children may have difficulty articulating their symptoms accurately, leading to incomplete or misleading information for diagnosis.
5. Lack of Awareness: Parents and children may not be fully educated about the range of concussion symptoms, resulting in underreporting or misinterpretation of signs.
6. Normalizing Symptoms: Parents might attribute symptoms to non-concussion-related causes, such as growth spurts, academic stress, or lack of sleep.
7. No Visible Signs: Unlike some injuries, concussions often lack visible signs like bruising or swelling, making it easier to overlook the possibility of a concussion.
8. Downplaying concussion: Some people consider concussions as a temporary/less serious “condition” than an actual brain injury. The reality is that concussions are traumatic brain injuries that should be taken seriously.

In situations where parents and athletes are unsure if they have a concussion, concussion baseline testing plays a pivotal role. Concussion baseline testing establishes a pre-injury benchmark of cognitive function, balance, reaction time and coordination, providing a comparison point for post-injury assessments. This helps medical professionals accurately diagnose a concussion and tailor appropriate recovery plans. Early identification of head injuries helps in preventing premature return to activities, thereby reducing the risk of further injury. Additionally, baseline testing raises awareness about concussion management and promotes a culture of safety and proactive care in sports and other high-risk activities. Knowing how a child performs pre-injury is crucial in determining proper diagnosis, treatment, and determining back-to-play status.

How to Ensure Proper Diagnosis for Young Athletes

The first step in ensuring that concussions are properly diagnosed, especially in young athletes, is by paying careful attention to any of the common symptoms. These include:

–    Headache

–    Fatigue

–    Lack of energy

–    Dizziness

–    Coordination problems

–    Difficulty retaining new information

–    Memory disturbances

–    Sleep disturbances

–    Anxiety

–    Difficulty concentrating

Should any combination of these symptoms arise in a young athlete after a sport-related head injury, it is best to get them to a concussion clinic, like Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic immediately. It is also possible that the symptoms may only arise several days after the incident, so parents and coaches should be particularly vigilant for some time after the injury occurs, even if the athlete appears to be fine at first.

Preventing misdiagnoses of concussions in children hinges on timely assessments by trained professionals at specialized concussion clinics. Early and accurate evaluation is crucial for effective treatment and recovery. Here’s what is typically done during a concussion assessment:

• • Comprehensive Medical History: Review of the injury event, prior concussions, and medical history.
  • Symptom Evaluation: Detailed questioning about current symptoms and their severity.
  • Balance and Coordination Tests: Evaluation of physical stability and motor skills.
  • Neurological Examination: Examination of neurological function ie., oculomotor function
  • Baseline testing: If the athlete has a valid baseline test
  • Individualized Care Plan: Development of a tailored treatment and recovery plan based on assessment results.

  Prompt and thorough assessments at concussion clinics are essential to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate care for children with head injuries.

  Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic in Oakville and Burlington are a recognized Complete Concussions Clinic for concussion baseline testing, management and treatment. Physiotherapists are key members of appropriate team management in concussion injuries—from prevention to return to play. Consult your Sheddon Physiotherapist in Oakville or Burlington at 905-849-4576.

  For more info, contact Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinics Oakville Burlington at 905-849-4576.

  We are located less than 10 min from Sheridan College Oakville and 4 min West of Canlan Ice Sports.

  The Burlington physio clinic is located only 8 min north-east of LaSalle Park and 10 min north of Burlington Golf & Country Club, on Plains Rd East.