Summer Childhood Injuries: Concussions
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.
Symptoms Of Concussions In Kids
- headache
- dizziness
- nausea and vomiting
- difficulty with coordination or balance
- blurred vision
- confusion
- difficulty concentrating
- feeling anxious, irritable or more emotional than usual
- difficulty falling asleep or more sleepy than usual
Concussions can lead to long-term disabilities if kids don’t rest and heal completely. To learn more about concussions, please read our other article about concussions.