Michael Gabriel of GPM Pediatrics responds to an article from Examiner.com that claims childhood head injuries may lead to social incompetence heading into adulthood, according to researchers
Brooklyn, NY / myprgenie.com / ACCESSWIRE / May 1, 2014 / Dr. Michael Gabriel of GPM Pediatrics reacts to an article that maintains children who suffer head injuries may have social difficulties. The article, published by Examiner.com provides statistics from researchers at Brigham Young University (BYU).
According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half a million children aged 0 to 14 visit emergency rooms each year in relation to head injuries. Children ages 0 to 4, and teens ages 15 to 19, were most likely to sustain a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Neuroscientists at BYU looked at children who had suffered head injuries three years earlier to determine if any effects were lingering. In addition, they questioned parents about their children's social lives including participation in groups, number of friends, and amount of time spent with friends.
The results of the study concluded that lingering injuries sustained to the brain's frontal lobe affected the children's ability to interact with others and develop normal social lives. The quality of their social lives was lowered but researchers hope that therapy can relieve some of the effects, although more research is needed to collect results.
Dr. Michael Gabriel hopes that the research for therapy will be conducted because it will be a positive step in a rather negative subject. Gabriel says, "The amount of head injuries sustained by children is staggering. This should be a wake-up call for parents and kids alike that even if no visible or 'major' damage is done, it can still affect the kids' ability to interact socially. Social interaction is a huge aspect of adolescence and adulthood anything that can adversely affect this is a great risk."
Gabriel says that children already have a difficult time developing social lives so there is no reason that it needs to get worse. Gabriel explains, "Parents should be mindful of these facts and encourage their children to always wear helmets when riding bikes, and participating in any other action sport, in addition to wearing seatbelts in the car. Parents also must abide by car seat regulations as many brain injuries result from car accidents."
GPM Pediatrics provides comprehensive pediatric care to children throughout the New York area with practices both in Brooklyn and Staten Island. Our board certified pediatricians and experienced staff help provide a very warm and nurturing environment for both you and your children. Our approach combines the latest treatment methods with the personal attention you should expect from your doctor. Simply put, we understand the importance of communication and trust and we are earning that trust one family at a time.