Concussions have become much more prevalent due to increased awareness and education about brain injuries. These types of head injuries, however, can be tricky to diagnose. One of the key signs is the temporary loss or impaired use of any body function such as cognitive functioning, speech, vision, or hearing. This article outlines what parents should do if they suspect their child has a concussion and how to identify the symptoms and treat them.
What is a concussion?
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A concussion is a type of brain injury that can occur after a blow to the head or body. Concussions can range from mild to severe and can cause various symptoms, including headaches, nausea, dizziness, and problems with memory or concentration. If your child has a concussion, it’s important to seek medical attention and follow the recommended treatment plan. In most cases, concussions will resolve independently with time and rest. However, more severe concussions may require more intensive treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s concussion, talk to their doctor. Symptoms of a concussion may include:
Headache or pressure in the head
Nausea or vomiting
Double vision or blurry vision
Difficulty with balance and coordination (problems walking)
Confusion or difficulty paying attention, memory loss, or trouble thinking straight (problems with “concentration”)
Drowsiness or feeling tired and weak (“like you got hit by a truck”)
How to Identify if my child has Symptoms of Concussion?
If your child experiences any of the following symptoms after a fall or head injury, they may have a concussion and should be seen by a doctor:
– headache
– nausea or vomiting
– dizziness or balance problems
– double or blurry vision
– sensitivity to light or noise
– feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
– concentration or memory problems
– confusion
If your child has any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor immediately. A concussion is a serious brain injury that can have lasting effects if not treated properly.
Physical
If your child gets a concussion, you should first take them to the doctor. Concussions can be serious, and if not treated properly, they can lead to more serious health problems. The doctor can tell you if your child has a concussion and the next steps.
Mental
If your child is showing any signs of a concussion, it is important to take them to see a doctor right away. A concussion is a type of brain injury that can cause serious problems if not treated properly.
You can do many things to help your child recover from a concussion. One of the most important things is ensuring they get plenty of rest. They should avoid any activities that could potentially make their symptoms worse.
You should also monitor your child for any changes in their behaviour or mood. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact their doctor.
If your child is diagnosed with a concussion, there are some special considerations you will need to consider. For example, they may need to miss school or sports for some time to recover properly. You will also need to help them avoid any activities that could put them at risk for another concussion.
What to do if I Think my Child has a Concussion?
If you think your child may have a concussion, the best thing to do is to take them to a doctor as soon as possible. Concussions can be tricky to diagnose, so it’s important to get professional help.
Once you’ve seen a doctor, you can do a few things at home to help your child recover:
- Make sure they get plenty of rest. They should avoid activities that require mental or physical exertion, as this can worsen concussion symptoms.
- Help them keep track of their symptoms so you can report any changes to the doctor.
- Make sure they avoid any medications that could interact with concussion treatment.
Rest
If your child has a concussion, the best thing to do is rest. Keep them home from school and limit their screen time. Let them sleep as much as they need to. If they are having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor. Slowly start to let them do more as they start to feel better. But if their symptoms get worse, call the doctor right away.
Activity Stages
After a concussion, there are three activity stages: rest, a gradual return to activity, and a full return to activity.
Rest is the first stage. During this stage, it is important to limit physical and mental activity. This will help the brain heal and reduce the risk of further injury. Gradual return to activity is the second stage. During this stage, you can slowly increase your child’s physical and mental activity. Full return to activity is the third stage. During this stage, your child can resume all normal activities.
It is important to follow these stages to help your child recover from a concussion.
Other Concerns
Post-Concussive Syndrome is a terrible problem post-concussion that will sideline a child for weeks or even months after their injury. It is very rare in one concussion patient, but those with a history of concussions are much more likely to feel its effects. The symptoms are quite simple: any strenuous activity will cause the concussion symptoms to flare up for an unknown period until recovery.
Second Impact Syndrome (SIS) – keep your child off the field (and keep them off) if you suspect they are concussed. SIS is when a child is not fully recovered from a head injury and then experiences another concussion. The brain is vulnerable after the first injury, and a second impact can have catastrophic consequences.
How to Prevent a Concussion?
The best way to prevent a concussion is through football coaching. The tackling technique should be emphasized in all the camps and programs in which your child participates. Gone are the days when it was acceptable to use your head as the first point of contact in tackling. Good tackle technique means using the shoulders; protecting your head is still the key to success in bringing down an opponent.
As we have mentioned before, properly sizing equipment is the first important aspect of football. Helmets must fit snug enough to protect your child’s head after contact. We also mentioned the importance of working on the neck muscles, often overlooked, to improve their torso and legs. Most of the power behind tackles ends up because these muscles stabilize from any incoming impact.
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