Research Shows How Cognitive Thinking Can Harm Concussion Victims

Posted on January 7, 2014

Common wisdom has finally come around to the idea that concussions are nothing to trifle with.  As such, athletes are rightfully being taken out of games and not being put back into the competition until such time that they have receive treatment for the problem.  However, new research suggests that it’s not just physical competition that ought to be delayed once a concussion occurs.

The study, which is featured in a journal called Pediatrics and hails from Children’s Hospital Boston, found that mental activities can prove to be taxing as well.  That means that, in the wake of a concussion, a child or teenager could be put at risk by conducting such activities as homework, playing videogames, or even using their phones to text.

To come to this conclusion, 355 people had their injuries analyzed over the course of nearly two years after checking in to the hospital.  What they found is that such persons could expect up to a three month recovery when high-level cognitive activities was allowed to continue, while those who rested from such things benefitted from the break, only needing between 20 and 50 days to recover.

The researchers note that the first three or five days should be a time to take a break from intense cognitive function.  That means that the teen should be resting, not doing school work or even playing a game.

Concussions should never be underestimated by schools, coaches, or parents.

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