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Article updated: 4/20/2012 5:30 AM

What parents need to know about kids and concussions

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Pediatric neurologist Dr. Hossam AbdelSalam, shown examining Marisa Brennecke, 14, says "brain rest" — meaning no TV or video games among other things — is important so the brain can fully heal and reduce the chance of long-term problems.

Bob Chwedyk

Conant junior Troy Piccinini, 16, continues to workout, despite having had three concussions, and fully intends to play football in the fall.

Bob Chwedyk

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Conant junior Troy Piccinini, 16, continues to workout, despite having had three concussions, and fully intends to play football in the fall.

Bob Chwedyk

Conant junior Troy Piccinini, 16, has had three concussions, and fully intends to play football in the fall. But his mother says if he is injured a fourth time, it will put him at increased risk for long-term effects.

Bob Chwedyk

Conant junior Troy Piccinini, 16, continues to workout, despite having had three concussions, and fully intends to play football in the fall.

Bob Chwedyk

About this Article

Maribel Piccinini, the mother of 16-year-old Conant High School football player Troy Piccinini, has navigated medical maze to evaluate and treat her son's head injuries three times in the last three years as he “got clocked time and again.” “It's the constant headaches, dizziness and memory issues which are most troubling,” says Piccinini. Experts say youth concussions strike directly at a child's growing brain and can affect the child's ability to learn.

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    • Pediatric neurologist Dr. Hossam AbdelSalam, shown examining Marisa Brennecke, 14, says “brain rest” — meaning no TV or video games among other things — is important so the brain can fully heal and reduce the chance of long-term problems.
    • Conant junior Troy Piccinini, 16, continues to workout, despite having had three concussions, and fully intends to play football in the fall.
    • Conant junior Troy Piccinini, 16, continues to workout, despite having had three concussions, and fully intends to play football in the fall.
    • Conant junior Troy Piccinini, 16, has had three concussions, and fully intends to play football in the fall. But his mother says if he is injured a fourth time, it will put him at increased risk for long-term effects.
    • Conant junior Troy Piccinini, 16, continues to workout, despite having had three concussions, and fully intends to play football in the fall.
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