We've all heard a lot more about concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in recent years. Medical practitioners now better understand how devastating and debilitating multiple concussions can be as they can affect the way a brain functions.
As of 2012 all major professional sports leagues such as the NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB have policies and procedures for handling concussions. If your child is part of any organized sport team or group, be sure to ask to see their policies on how to handle concussions.
Not all concussions are caused by organized sports; they are often caused by a fall, a car or bike accident or severe jarring to the body. A child with a concussion may be knocked unconscious, but most are not. Symptoms of a concussion may develop 24 to 72 hours after an injury. If your child shows any of these signs, take him to his doctor right away.