Watch for emotional and behavioral changes in children after concussion accident
Medical News Today, recently reported that up to around 2% of children aged 0 to 5 years’ experience a concussion accident every year. Our attorneys are frequently called by parents to discuss concussion injury accident to children.
The article discusses a study published in the Journal of Neuropsychology. The study focused on the adverse effects of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) on parent-child relationships. “The young brain is particularly vulnerable to injury because the skull is still thin and malleable. In the months following the injury, one of the first visible signs in young children is a decline in their relationship with their parents,” said a senior author of the study. Good parent-child relationships are synonymous with better social skills later in life. Therefore, the researchers stress the importance for parents to monitor behavior changes in their child after an accident.
CONCUSSION EFFECT ON CHILD’S BEHAVIOR OR MOOD
Preschoolers, in particular, are at risk after a concussion. A concussion accident at this age can slow the development of communication skills. Very little data exists about the first signs of socialization problems in preschoolers after a concussion. Parent-child relationships represent the center of young children’s social environments. This makes the ideal context for studying the potential effects of mild TBI on children’s social functioning.
The laboratory in the study recruited a group of 130 children aged between 18 months and 60 months who were injured in an accident. They were divided into three accident categories: Children with a concussion. Children with an orthopedic injury but no concussion. And a control group of non-injured children.
The aim of the study was to assess the quality of parent-child interactions six months post-concussion injury accident. “Parents filled out a questionnaire so they could evaluate their relationship with their child. In addition, they were filmed as they and their children took part in typical daily activities. This included free play and snack time – allowing the researchers to measure the quality of their interactions.” “The quality of parent-child interactions following a concussion accident was significantly reduced compared to non-injured children.”
MORE CHILD CONCUSSION RESEARCH NEEDED
More research is required to identify the factors underlying this decline in their relationship. It may be due to specific neurological mechanisms, to changes in parenting, or to stress caused by the injury. Identifying these factors will help develop more targeted interventions for better results.
The authors of the study advised that if, as parents, you notice your child interacting differently after an accident, and the changes persist more than a few weeks, you should talk to your family doctor or a neuropsychologist.
CHILD CONCUSSION INJURY LAWYERS
If your child has suffered a concussion or brain injury as a result of an accident, call us and speak with a lawyer for a free consultation. Our best MN attorneys have over 25 years’ experience representing families and their children. We handle cases including car accidents, daycare accidents, school accidents, and more. We will make sure you are properly advised of your rights, and that your child’s interests are protected.