Brain injury is a potentially devastating predicament, especially in children. It often develops in the form of a minor or serious concussion and can be dangerous, particularly if it goes untreated or is ignored.

Earlier this year in Connecticut, the Governor signed legislation that has a unique objective. The sole objective of the legislation, which has recently been passed, is to reduce the number of concussions that children suffer across the state.

The legislation aims to achieve its objective through improved and augmented education intended to edify parents and coaches. It also seeks to bolster the existing system by creating a database that can track brain injuries and concussions. The previous law in the state concentrated on providing information in order to educate people about brain injury and laid down a precise protocol for returning athletes who have suffered concussions to the playing field.

Brain injury can alter the way in which the brain operates for varying periods of time. Traumatic brain injuries can cause temporary or permanent alterations to brain function. A brain trauma is generally the result of an external force to the upper body and head, such as a blow or another impact. Far-reaching consequences of a concussion or a brain trauma could be altered cognitive function, memory loss and even dementia.

Symptoms that present immediately and which may help identify a concussion include fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and depression. Physicians suggest that a concussion must not be ignored, irrespective of whether the patient is a child or an adult. An immediate examination is necessary because it ensures that the far-reaching problems have been resolved.

Source: CTNow.com, “New focus on concussions: no more ‘shake it off’,” Paul Doyle, Dec.7, 2014