Months after concussion symptoms have mostly faded, the brain continues to show signs of injury, brain scan shows.

Debate over concussion, head injury

Abnormalities shown in brain scans have raised concerns that patients are at greater risk of illness recurrence than previously believed.

In sports, concussion has become a highly controversial issue, with concerns that athletes are putting their brain at risk.

Researchers at the University of Mexico said players are probably being returned to action too fast. UK doctors explained the attitude to head injury was “too relaxed” in sport.

Debates over head injury and concussion have resulted in retirements over new rules in rugby, after an athlete was kept on the field despite being knocked out. This has been a long standing issue in American football.

Slower recovery 

The study compared 50 patients who had a mild concussion with 50 healthy people.

Initially, there were memory problems, dizziness and headaches, but these cleared up after several weeks.

Four months later, scientists observed oddities in the brain’s gray matter, in the part linked with complex activities.

The study’s result may mean the brain is still healing and vulnerable even after patients feel like they have recovered.

Mothers carrying babies skin-to-skin, like Kangaroos carrying their babies in their pouches, will benefit not just babies but also the parents, a leading expert claim.

Key for preterm babies

Prof Joy Lawn says “Kangaroo care,” not costly intensive care, is the key to cut global death and disability rates from premature birth.

Every year, 15 million babies born at or before 37 weeks account for about 10% of the burden of illness, and one million of them die.

“The perception is you need intensive care for pre-term babies,” Prof Lawn from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said in a statement.“Kangaroo care is actually better because it promotes breastfeeding and reduces infection.”

Common risks

According to studies, boys are 14% more likely to be born early, and boys who are premature are more at risk to develop disabilities and likely to die compared to girls.

When asked why preterm births will more likely happen to boys, Lawn explained that “women pregnant with a boy are more likely to have placental problems, pre-eclampsia, and high blood pressure, all associated with preterm births.”