Kids and Concussions.
A concussion is an injury to your child's brain. It is usually caused by a bump or blow to the head from a fall, a motor vehicle crash, or a sports injury. Sometimes being forcefully shaken may cause a concussion. Concussions usually cause:
• Headaches
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia) or excessive sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering and paying attention
• Problems with balance and coordination
• Confusion
Concussions can cause short- and long-term neurological damage, especially when they are severe and repeated. Because of the seriousness of the injury, it’s crucial that children receive the proper medical evaluation and care after a concussion. They should not return to the sport until they have fully recovered.
How do I know if my child needs to see a specialist?
It is possible that a child with a concussion will need more specialized treatment. If your child is not getting better – or is actually feeling worse – after the first few days, you should ask for a referral to a specialist.
Rarely, a child with a concussion will experience serious complications. You should seek immediate emergency care if your child:
• Has blood or fluid coming out of her nose or ears
• Has a seizure
• Loses consciousness
• Has worsening headaches
• Vomits repeatedly
• Experiences difficulty breathing
• Has trouble walking or standing
• Experiences a change in pupil size (one is bigger than the other, or both are abnormally enlarged)
• Starts slurring her speech or experiencing difficulty speaking
• Develops noticeable bruising or a large bump anywhere on her head
• Headaches
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia) or excessive sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering and paying attention
• Problems with balance and coordination
• Confusion
Concussions can cause short- and long-term neurological damage, especially when they are severe and repeated. Because of the seriousness of the injury, it’s crucial that children receive the proper medical evaluation and care after a concussion. They should not return to the sport until they have fully recovered.
How do I know if my child needs to see a specialist?
It is possible that a child with a concussion will need more specialized treatment. If your child is not getting better – or is actually feeling worse – after the first few days, you should ask for a referral to a specialist.
Rarely, a child with a concussion will experience serious complications. You should seek immediate emergency care if your child:
• Has blood or fluid coming out of her nose or ears
• Has a seizure
• Loses consciousness
• Has worsening headaches
• Vomits repeatedly
• Experiences difficulty breathing
• Has trouble walking or standing
• Experiences a change in pupil size (one is bigger than the other, or both are abnormally enlarged)
• Starts slurring her speech or experiencing difficulty speaking
• Develops noticeable bruising or a large bump anywhere on her head