144. Concussions in children linked to worse mental health
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
Children and adolescents who suffer concussions in sports or other activities have an increased risk of mental health problems, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open. Canadian researchers collected ten years of data from children aged 5 to 18 who sought medical care during that period for either concussions or orthopedic injuries. The researchers found concussions correlated more strongly to mental health issues than did orthopedic injuries. While we tend to focus on physical symptoms of concussions like headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light, nausea, and more, this study shows that we need to look for emotional symptoms in these kids and seek treatment with a specialist to help them recover.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
