Concussions and Headaches

We do see a # of younger people with sports concussions, with resulting headache syndromes(among other post-concussion problems)…..often it is after the 2nd(or 3rd or 4th) concussion, with lingering symptoms. Thse can be tough to treat, as they often do not respond as well as regular migraines. We do try all of the non-medication approaches, such as biofeedback, getting enough sleep, eating regularly, etc etc.. We attempt to minimize meds. Sometimes the preventives are helpful, and at other times we rely solely on abortive(as needed) meds. After the first concussion, and certainly after the 2nd, we need to take a hard look at whether it is worth the sport; after all, the kid has to live with their one precious brain for 60 more years. The problem with head trauma at younger ages is that the white matter, myelin, of the brain is not fully developed, and the axons(part of the nerve cell) are naked, unprotected, and more vulnerable. So, in a sense, at age 25 a head blow is less likely to produce damage than at age 15. Plus, many kids have oversize(for their body, until later ages) “bobblehead” heads, on top of skinny necks that can’t absorb the blows as well. So, some of the 7 year olds absorb a major G force, up to 100 g’s,totally with their brain, as the neck is not develop enough to cushion to the blow. I don’t think kids should play tackle football prior to age 14(or actually 18), as much as I love the game. After football, hockey and soccer are next, as far as head injuries.