A research found that concussed high school pupils are 25% more likely to have bad grades than those without concussions.
Concussions can cause physical, cognitive, and emotional changes, but the influence on a teen’s academic performance is unknown.
A team of US academics investigated whether concussions affect teenage academic performance.
Washington University researchers analysed data on 10,756 teens.
14.9% of those analysed suffered a sports-related concussion in the past year.
Most concussion-free teens were female (50.9 per cent).
Male youths reported more concussions than female teens (53.1 per cent and 63.5 per cent respectively).
78% of teens are academically successful.
Having at least one concussion in the past year increased the likelihood of poor academic performance by 25%, and recurrent concussions strengthened this link.
Brain Injury Australia reports that more than 3000 individuals are hospitalised following concussions from sports.
The organisation predicted quadruple that amount won’t seek medical help.
The research recommended screening for concussions during sports bouts.
Researchers proposed tight return-to-play criteria.
Multiple concussions might affect student results, study says.
“Concussion history is linked to academic failure.”
A concussion is a brief brain damage induced by a trauma to the head or body that produces fast brain movement.
The authors of today’s Injury Prevention research recognised its shortcomings.
Their studies prevented them from comparing academic performance before and after concussions.
