IN FOCUS: CDC changes guidlines for traumatic brain injuries

The Centers for Disease Control is changing the way they test and treat traumatic brain injuries after an alarming last few years of injury increases.

Dr. Brian Reeder from SSM Health says he sees high traumatic brain injuries from hockey, football, and soccer.

"I think one of the challenges when an injury does happen is taking the time to let it heal," Dr. Reeder said.

According to a study led by researchers at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine published in 'The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association', concussion symptoms in children may last three times longer than they do in adults and teens. Researchers say it is important for parents to know that symptoms can linger in children for about four weeks.

"It's not just the direct impact that causes head injuries but the whipping affect that can happen to the head and neck," Reeder said.

The CDC report from September outlines reasons why blood tests and x-rays aren't catching all concussions. Researchers say some traumatic brain injuries require CT scans.

"I am just happy to see them active and away from screens," Father of two, Tom Blau said.

Blau has coached soccer for the past 16 years. He understands the risks of the sport, particularly when it comes to young girls playing it. However, he says sports is a great way to teach many different lessons for children, as well as a way to stay healthy.

"There are too many great benefits to a sport to be afraid something might happen."