• 17
  • Nov

Doctors to parents: Keep kids off electronics after head injuries

Video games, cell phones on the list of things kids should avoid after concussions

After a concussion, the brain needs time to rest and heal. The risk of a severe injury increases significantly if a child suffers a second concussion, especially within a year of the first one.
Avatar Jamie Contreras, MD

 

San Antonio – Any parent knows how tough it can be to keep their children off cell phones and video games. But in the case of children who have suffered concussions, limiting the use of electronic screens could make a big difference in recovery times, according to physicians from Greater San Antonio Emergency Physicians (GSEP).

“After a concussion, the brain needs time to rest and heal,” says GSEP Pediatric Specialist Dr. Jamie Contreras. “While children may associate video games or movies with relaxation, the truth is that these activities put a lot of stress on the brain, and that can slow down the healing process.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 500,000 children are diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries each year, 170,000 of which happened while participating in some type of youth sport. That’s why Dr. Contreras also released some tips for parents and coaches on what to do if they suspect their child may have suffered a concussion on the field.

“The most important thing for parents and coaches to do is prevent the child from returning to play the same day he or she suffers the concussion,” says Contreras. “The risk of a severe injury increases significantly if a child suffers a second concussion, especially within a year of the first one.” Dr. Contreras recommends children who have suffered concussions be put through an extensive monitoring process to watch out for a return of symptoms before being allowed back on the field.

Dr. Contreras is available for interviews regarding concussion treatment options and other concussion-related topics. To schedule an interview with Dr. Contreras, contact JT Street via email at jt@esdandassociates.com or by phone at 210-348-8008.


About GSEP

When it was founded in 1980, Greater San Antonio Emergency Physicians was the first all board-certified emergency physicians group in the state of Texas. This year, the group will care for more than 200,000 patients at multiple facilities throughout the San Antonio area. GSEP is dedicated to providing the best medical care possible to those patients, and ensuring that patients are properly informed about their medical options.