New guidelines have been released from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning concussions and children. The new guidance is based on 25 years of research.

More than 800,000 children go to the emergency room each year with mild traumatic brain injury or concussions. The CDC's Dr. Matt Breiding says the number is actually higher as, "many children go untreated or see their primary care physician."

“A better predictor of that  were these age appropriate symptom scales. Those actually  indicated whether a  child had experienced an MTBI, and then are other factors that could suggest whether imaging was called for.”

Most people with a concussion recover well from symptoms experienced at the time of the injury. But for some people, symptoms can last for days, weeks, or longer. In general, recovery may be slower among older adults, young children, and teens.

“The CDC advises physicians to use validated, age appropriate symptom scales to form the basis of diagnosis. Providers should refrain from routinely imaging pediatric patients in order to diagnose  MTBI,” Breiding said.

Those who have had a concussion in the past are also at risk of having another one. Some people may also find that it takes longer to recover if they have another concussion.

“The guidelines recommend that physicians counsel patients to return gradually to non sports activities after really no more than two to three days of rest,” Breiding said.

New children's concussion guidelines from the U.S. government recommend against routine X-rays and blood tests for diagnosis and reassure parents that most kids' symptoms clear up within one to three months.

In 2013, Georgia passed a law pushed by the National Football League and the Atlanta Falcons that requires any student with a concussion to be removed from the field until a doctor says it’s safe.

The agency’s advice also includes counseling patients and their parents/caregivers to return gradually to non-sports activities after no more than a 2-3 days of rest. Providing patients with instructions on returning to activity customized to their symptoms and using validated, age-appropriate diagnostic symptom scales.

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