Untreated Childhood Concussions: Dangers and Diagnosis

According to the CDC’s 2020 National Health Interview Survey, an estimated 6.8% of children in the United States aged 0-17 have experienced symptoms of a concussion or brain injury, but only 3.9% have ever actually been diagnosed with such an injury by a health care provider. Hundreds of thousands of children seek emergency care each year for sports and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions. Unfortunately, the normalization of concussions has likely led to a decrease in diagnosis and an increased likelihood of future complications.

When childhood concussions go undiagnosed, they can lead to serious health issues down the line. That’s why it’s so important for parents and caregivers to familiarize themselves with the signs of a concussion and seek immediate treatment if they suspect a child has sustained a brain injury. Let’s take a closer look at the risks associated with untreated concussions and discuss what legal options may be available to concussion survivors and their families.

What is a childhood concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when a bump, blow, or sudden jolt to the head forces the brain to move inside the skull. These movements and internal impacts can damage tissue structures and affect the brain’s functioning. Children are often prone to concussions because they tend to engage in high-impact activities and lack some of the impulse control adults rely on to keep them safe.

While the majority of concussions reported in the U.S. are linked to sports, other kinds of recreational activities can put children at risk of concussions, as well as accidents like car crashes and slips and falls. Because children’s brains are still developing, concussions can have a more profound and lasting impact on neurological functioning – particularly if a concussion is left untreated. That’s why it’s so important to get prompt care for any child who suffers a blow to the head or other high-impact trauma.

Can a concussion go untreated?

Technically, yes, but this isn’t exactly recommended. When a concussion goes undiagnosed or untreated, it can lead to more severe complications that require additional medical intervention to address. Unfortunately, many people take for granted that children are resilient and subsequently downplay potential concussion symptoms.

Additionally, very young children may be unable to tell their caregivers of any physical discomfort they’re experiencing, thus making it appear as though they’re okay after taking a tumble or bumping their head. At any age, concussion symptoms can develop or worsen over time, which is why it’s always best to proactively seek a medical evaluation any time a child hits their head.

Common untreated concussion symptoms

The longer a concussion goes untreated, the worse the symptoms can become. Recognizing potential concussion symptoms can make a major difference in helping a child get treatment before more serious complications can set in. Here are a few red flags to watch out for that may indicate an untreated head injury is deserving of medical care:

• Headaches
• Excessive or unexplained crying
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• New mobility or balance issues
• Trouble sleeping
• Extreme fatigue
• Irritability or mood swings

If any of these symptoms are present or if a child just seems a bit “off” after a blow to the head, you should get them to a doctor or emergency department as soon as possible. While some concussions require only minimal medical intervention, some untreated concussion symptoms cause more serious complications with long-term side effects.

What happens if a concussion goes untreated?

Untreated childhood concussions can lead to a range of complications that may continue to worsen over time. Some potential adverse outcomes in childhood concussion cases include:

Prolonged post-concussion symptoms

Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) can occur after a concussion in children and adults, but the symptoms may be more severe in children. PCS often causes painful and inconvenient symptoms like chronic headaches, persistent sensory sensitivity, and trouble concentrating – all of which can seriously impact a child’s quality of life.

Second-impact syndrome

Children lead very active lifestyles, which can put childhood concussion victims at an increased risk of suffering a second impact before their brain has had a chance to heal. If a child with an untreated or unresolved concussion sustains a second blow to the head, it can trigger rapid swelling and put the child’s life in jeopardy.

Behavioral and emotional changes

Some parents are shocked to learn that untreated concussion symptoms can mimic other diagnosable conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and depression. This phenomenon can result in children being misdiagnosed, which can contribute to poor physical and mental health outcomes.

Academic and developmental delays

As we mentioned above, some of the symptoms of undiagnosed concussions can mimic neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD. Memory problems, cognitive processing changes, and chronic fatigue can all impact a child’s ability to engage and thrive in academic environments and can even delay their long-term neurological development.

As you can see, there is a wide spectrum of complications commonly associated with undiagnosed childhood concussions. Even if you think your child is totally fine or that the trauma they suffered wasn’t that serious, it’s always better to be safe than sorry by seeking medical care as soon as possible.

Additionally, many parents falsely assume that their child has suffered a concussion when they have actually sustained a more serious brain injury. If a child’s brain is bleeding or swelling and they don’t receive swift medical intervention, the consequences could be severe and even life-threatening. A professional evaluation can help rule out more serious forms of TBI and ensure a child is on the right path to making a full recovery.

Who is liable for an untreated childhood concussion?

There are a couple of different scenarios in which an at-fault party could be held legally liable for a child’s undiagnosed concussion. First, the person who actually caused the child’s injury could be held responsible if they were negligent or reckless in some way. For example, if your child suffers a concussion in a car accident that was caused by a drunk driver, the drunk driver may well be found liable for their injuries.

In limited circumstances, a public school or athletic organization may be liable, but claims are governed by the New Jersey Tort Claims Act and typically require proof that the conduct was palpably unreasonable, in addition to compliance with strict notice requirements. For example, if a child suffers a concussion at a New Jersey public school or other public entity, and their coach does not immediately remove them from the game or practice, the coach, school, or athletic organization may face potential liability for your child’s hospital bills and other related expenses.

An experienced brain injury lawyer can help you establish liability in this kind of case and provide you with the legal tools necessary to help you pursue compensation and options to support your child’s needs moving forward.

On the flip side, if you sought medical treatment for your child for a suspected concussion and the doctor misdiagnosed them or downplayed your concerns, you may have grounds to file a medical malpractice claim. If the doctor deviated from accepted care standards and your child suffered harm as a direct result, the doctor or their employer may be considered legally liable for your medical expenses or other damages.

Final thoughts

When it comes to childhood concussions, the best defense is a good offense. If your child took a hard fall, sustained a blow to the head, or was involved in a traumatic accident, you should pursue medical treatment as soon as possible to stave off any potential complications. The longer a concussion goes untreated, the more severe the consequences can become. That’s why caregivers have a responsibility to seek care for injured children, and medical professionals have a responsibility to do their due diligence to keep their patients safe.

If a child in your life suffered a concussion that was caused or exacerbated by another person’s negligence or recklessness, you may be able to hold them accountable in a court of law. Contact the experienced team at Ferrara & Gable to learn more about how a personal injury or medical malpractice claim can help you take back control and get your child the support they need.

Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team, and let’s discuss whether you may be within your rights to file a claim for compensation.