Lingering effects of kids' concussions

CHICAGO -- Children with even relatively mild concussions can have persistent attention and memory problems a year after their injuries, according to a study that helps identify which kids may be most at risk for lingering symptoms.

In most kids with these injuries, symptoms go away in a few months, but the results suggest that problems may linger for up to about 20 percent, said study author Keith Owen Yeates, a neuropsychologist at Ohio State University's Center for Biobehaviorial Health.

Problems such as forgetfulness were more likely to linger than fatigue, dizziness and other physical complaints.

Forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention, headaches and fatigue were more common in study children who lost consciousness or who had other mild head trauma that caused brain abnormalities on imaging tests, compared with kids who didn't get knocked out or who had normal imaging test results.

The study looked at symptoms up to a year after injury so it doesn't answer whether any kids had longer-lasting or permanent problems.

"Most do OK, but we have to get better at predicting which kids are going to have problems," Yeates said. Those who do may need temporary accommodations, including extra time taking school tests, or wearing sunglasses if bright light gives them headaches, he said.

The study results were published online yesterday in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. -- AP