Concussions in children: Know the signs, seek medical care

Concussions in young athletes are common and often misunderstood. Many children sustain concussions but do not report them to parents or coaches for fear of being sidelined from activities. When kids get concussions, medical follow-up is crucial before they return to normal activities.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury that generally is caused by a direct blow to the head or face, such as a sports injury or bad fall from a bike.

Symptoms of a concussion

Parents should be aware of the signs that a child may have suffered a concussion:

• Mental: Headache, confusion, feeling mentally foggy, seeing stars or flashing lights, impaired consciousness, poor concentration and attention.
• Physical: Vacant or glassy-eyed stare, double or blurry vision, poor balance and coordination, dizziness, fatigue, nausea or vomiting, incoherent speech, ringing in ears.
• Behavioral: Inappropriate play on the field (running the wrong way), mood swings, trouble sleeping, irritability, changes in personality, nervousness or sadness, impaired academic performance.

Depending on the severity, concussion symptoms may last anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes to several months.

Treating a concussion

A medical professional always should see a child with a concussion. A child can have a normal CT scan and still have a concussion. Parents need to know what to expect and when a child needs follow-up care-especially if he or she continues to have symptoms. Only a medical professional can offer guidance to help parents know when it's safe for a child to return to regular activities. Returning your child to a normal routine too soon, even with a mild concussion, can prolong symptoms, potentially causing brain damage or more severe problems. Never allow an athlete to practice or play in a game if he or she has sustained a concussion.

If symptoms worsen, call a physician or go to the emergency room.

Decreasing the risk

Approximately 300,000 children suffer sports-related concussions annually. Concussions cannot be prevented, but you can decrease the risk by teaching proper techniques and wearing protective equipment, including:

• Insisting on helmets, other headgear and mouth guards.
• Ensuring equipment is properly fitted.
• Enforcing rules and adopting less dangerous styles of play. A good example is a ban on body checking in hockey for players age 15 and younger.

Each concussion brings greater risk for more serious injuries, including additional symptoms and/or longer recovery periods. Be sure your children have the proper safety equipment for their activities and never be afraid to seek the expertise of a medical professional.