Many parents admit they don't know a lot about concussion or treatments, sparking fears the condition is under reported and children may not be getting the help they need. Almost one third are unaware children do not have to lose consciousness or 'black out' to be concussed, according to a Royal Children's Hospital poll of 1953 parents with kids aged between one month and 17 years. More than half did not know there are treatments available, while 30 per cent incorrectly believed children recover quicker than adults. Mood and emotional wellbeing can be impacted by concussion but 61 per cent of parents did not know irritability is a sign and less than half knew to be on alert for anxiousness. The survey found about one in six children have been diagnosed with at least one concussion by a health professional. The results prompted fears the condition could be under reported and many children not getting the help they need, which puts them at risk of further concussions. Paediatrician and National Child Health Poll director Anthea Rhodes said children should not continue with physical activity or sport after being injured, even if they feel okay. She said concussion could damage brain cells and temporarily change how the brain works. "It can take up to four weeks to recover from a concussion and in the first 24 to 48 hours, it's important to prioritise rest," Dr Rhodes said. Paracetamol can help relieve headaches and there is no need to wake a child through the night to check on them unless told to do so by a health professional, she said. "Children can be reintroduced to their normal activities slowly, as long as they are not showing any symptoms and we strongly recommend a stepped approach as they return to school, sport or other more physical activities," Dr Rhodes said. Parents are advised to seek urgent help if their child displays confused behaviour, has severe headaches that are not relieved by painkillers, frequently vomits, bleeds from the ear or nose, has fits or convulsions and experiences difficulty waking up or staying awake. The survey also found 28 per cent of parents did not know children can still get concussed while wearing a helmet. "While helmets are essential in protecting against brain injuries, certain knocks can still cause head movements that impact the brain and can result in a concussion," Dr Rhodes said. Concussion cannot be detected by blood scans or tests and is instead seen in behaviours, with symptoms appearing up to a week after an incident. The condition has become a major concern for sporting organisations in recent years, with major codes such the AFL and NRL rolling out updated protocols. A wave of former AFL players have launched class actions and individual lawsuits in the Victorian courts, while several dead players have been diagnosed with severe chronic traumatic encephalopathy which is related to concussion. Australian Associated Press
