As school starts back and high school football begins, one of the biggest concerns for the parents of young athletes is injuries, particularly head injuries. One of the questions that we are most frequently asked is, “How do I know if my child has a concussion?”
What exactly is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. It is usually caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Even what seems to be a mild bump to the head can be serious. They can have a more serious effect on a young, developing brain and need to be addressed correctly.
Signs and symptoms to watch out for:
- Can’t recall events prior to the hit, bump, or fall • Appears dazed or stunned
- Is confused about events • Shows behavior or personality changes
- Answers questions slowly • Loses consciousness (even briefly)
- Repeats questions • Forgets class schedule or assignments
Concussion symptoms reported by your child or teen:
Thinking/Remembering
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Feeling more slowed down
- Feeling hazy, foggy, or groggy
- Difficulty thinking clearly
Physical
- Headache or “pressure” in head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Blurry or double vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Numbness or tingling
Emotional
- Irritable
- Sad
- Nervous
- More emotional than usual
Emotional
- Drowsy
- Sleeps less than usual
- Has trouble falling asleep
How do I protect my child from a concussion?
One of the ways that we can protect our children from a concussion is by making sure that all of the organizations they are involved with have a firmly established concussion protocol. A concussion protocol is an organization’s set of policies, tools, and assessments for caring for this brain injury. It outlines how the care team prepares for and responds to this injury.
You may think a “concussion protocol” implies a strict, written policy that instructs healthcare providers to treat every patient and every injury the same. However, trained healthcare providers know that a concussion requires an individualized care approach. This protocol (policy) is used to ensure that everyone involved knows what to do when this injury happens. When signing your child up for sports or activities, make sure to ask for a copy of that organization’s protocols.
We hope that these tips will be helpful in identifying if your child has a concussion. The best advice that we can give parents is when in doubt, sit them out! Letting a child return to sports or physical activity too soon will greatly increase their chance of a secondary brain injury.
Improve your quality of life with the help of Southern Immediate Care. We are an urgent care center in Chelsea, AL, that provides primary care services. We diagnose and treat illness and provide preventive medical care, routine check-ups, screening tests, and more to help you and your family maintain a healthy lifestyle. Get in touch with us today!
