Concussion risks may not be taken seriously: survey

San Diego – Half of people in a survey who may have suffered a concussion did not seek professional medical treatment because they did not believe the symptoms were serious or assumed they only had a headache, according to research conducted by the American Osteopathic Association.

These same reasons were used by 3 out of 5 surveyed parents who chose not to take their child who had suffered a head injury to a doctor for treatment.

The survey was conducted online in mid-August, and was completed by 1,303 people. Of the participants, 369 indicated they believed they may have had a concussion at some point and 129 believed their child had had one.

Concussions are considered a “mild” type of traumatic brain injury that, while not life-threatening, can have serious effects, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Signs and symptoms of a concussion include dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, and pain in the area of the head injury. People who suspect they have a concussion should seek medical attention, AOA advises.

Results of the survey were announced at AOA’s Osteopathic Medical Conference & Exposition in early October.