Although it is widely known that boxers and football players have an increased incidence of traumatic brain injury due to the nature of the sport they’re playing, it is a little-known fact that the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in children is also traumatic brain injury. And the rates have only gone up in the last ten years. The problem with a teen with traumatic brain injury is that his brain is still evolving, and having this kind of trauma will likely stall its development, with consequences that will show itself years after the original event which caused them.

A recent study weighs in on the impact of traumatic brain injury years after the event

The results of the research presented at the 2018 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition show that traumatic brain injury is not a one-time thing, but its ramifications show itself years later. According to the study, children with traumatic injury are at risk for developing a plethora of various neuropsychiatric symptoms.

In the study, the researchers compared clinical data of children diagnosed with traumatic brain injury and children diagnosed with orthopedic injury. The data showed that only 16% of children that sustained an orthopedic injury later developed neuropsychiatric symptoms like headaches, mental disorder, intellectual disability and so on. On the other hand, that percentage was much higher in the case of children that suffered traumatic brain injury, a whopping 39%. Furthermore, the researchers found that after a five-year period, only 59% of the children were symptom-free.

The main takeaway from this study is the need for close monitoring and checkups of children that have suffered a traumatic brain injury as symptoms can develop years later. Only with early detection is it possible to manage the possible unfavorable outcomes.

How does traumatic brain injury manifest in teens?

Apart from possible psychiatric conditions it can cause, traumatic brain injury affects a teen’s memory and cognitive functions the most. Such a teen may have issues with concentrating and learning new things. It may take him a while to process information and can experience headaches, tinnitus, and even hearing loss and problems with balance.

New Focus Academy is here for your family

New Focus Academy works with young men and women, ages 13-17. Our students often struggle to form relationships with peers and lack the ability to organize their daily lives. Due to these challenges, our students frequently feel a persistent failure and lack of confidence.

At New Focus, we use a relationship-based, clinically-sophisticated program to create practical life skills in our students. Our students become more self-reliant, resilient, and socially connected. For each of our students, we provide a well-defined plan and purpose to gain confidence, build relationships, and overcome challenges.

For more information about how we help at New Focus Academy, visit our website today at newfocusacademy.com