The authors of a new study of brain-injured children found that doctors most often used the term "concussion" and not "traumatic brain injury." The authors theorize that the doctors use the "concussion" label to minimize the worry of parents. However, the lead author, Carol A De Matteo, believes that the concussion label misleads parents and coaches, which could cause inferior follow up precautions and care. Oregonians should know that a concussion IS a traumatic brain injury and should act accordingly.
The Canadian study noted that there is no universal agreement on how to grade concussions. There are 6 different categories of concussions plus 8 different grading scales. Doctors use "concussion" to describe brain injuries ranging from (1) a brain injury where the child or teenager returns to preexisting levels of functioning to (2) severe, permanent brain damage or even death. So, Oregonians should know that the "concussion" label does not mean your child is necessarily going to be okay.
The authors fear that a diagnosis of concussion may affect a parent's decision on how soon to return the child to school, or even sports. When the child has some symptoms associated with brain injury, the symptoms might be ignored or pooh-poohed, because everyone thinks the person is "over" the concussion. Consequently, the child might not receive the help he needs in school. In Oregon a proper diagnosis and classification of symptoms might be critical determining whether the school must work on an Individualized Educational Program (IEP).
Jeff Merrick, Oregon Trial Attorney
Injury & Employment Law
503-665-4234
The above is not legal advice. I cannot give you sound advice without knowing more information. It is intended to raise some issues for you to discuss with your own lawyer.
