Kids who get a concussion may be more likely to develop mental health issues. 

A new study from Canada suggests that kids who experience a concussion may be at an increased risk of mental health issues, psychiatric hospitalisation and self-harm.

The study compared outcomes in kids aged 5 to 18 years who had a concussion compared with those in a control group who had an orthopaedic injury, such as a broken arm.

Kids who experienced a concussion were more likely to develop a mental health issue, self-harm, and be hospitalised for a psychiatric condition. 

The researchers say that doctors should assess patients’ mental health during concussion follow up visits and that more research should be done to look at ways to reduce the risks of later mental health disorders among patients with concussions.

The study is accessible here.