Denmark's healthcare system is failing children with long-term concussion symptoms, forcing families into a bureaucratic maze with no clear path to treatment. Health Minister Sophie Løhde admits the current system makes her stomach turn. Source: The Children's Database - Danish Health Data Authority.
System rejects children by age and definition
Eleven-year-old Isabella from Aarhus exemplifies the problem. Two years after her concussion, she can only attend school two to three days per week for 45-minute sessions. Her family contacted Aarhus Municipality's concussion coordinator but was rejected because of Isabella's age. Hammel Neurocenter also turned them away for the same reason.
When they tried the municipal brain injury coordinator, they received another rejection. The reason? A concussion doesn't qualify as a brain injury under current definitions. This bureaucratic splitting leaves families bouncing between agencies with no one taking responsibility.
"You're left with frustration and powerlessness because we just want to help our child get back on track as quickly as possible," says Isabella's mother, Wikki Lund Hansen.
Frank Humle, director at the Center for Brain Injury, confirms Isabella's case isn't isolated. "There simply aren't many services for children and young people across the country," he states.
Minister promises action after system analysis
The admission of failure comes after a long-awaited analysis revealed major problems in concussion treatment, including patients receiving help too late and notable regional disparities depending on location. Minister Løhde has requested the Danish Health Authority to review current treatment offerings to assess potential improvements.
"I get sick to my stomach thinking about the children, young people, and adults who today experience a failure from our healthcare system in not being able to get adequate help," Løhde said. She promises a concrete proposal within weeks to lift the entire concussion field for children, young people, and adults.
The government allocated 20 million kroner this year to strengthen concussion care, rising to 40 million kroner annually from 2027. The money targets more uniform treatment pathways and better coordination across the country.
Hana Malá Rytter, research leader at the Danish Center for Concussion, emphasizes the need for individualized treatment. "There's no 'one size fits all' solution, so we need to compose treatment that's relevant for the child and its family."
Expect the minister's proposal to create specialized pediatric concussion units, but implementation will likely face resistance from cash-strapped municipalities already struggling with healthcare budgets.
Read more: Danish Healthcare Fails Children With Concussion Injuries.
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