Nurse Practitioner Stephanie Kimmes shares some helpful information on concussions.

Sports are a great way for children and teens to develop healthy bodies and minds. Some sports, such as football this time of year, are considered contact or collision activities. An inherent risk of these types of activities is the potential for suffering a concussion. 

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of brain injury that results from the brain being moved quickly back and forth within the skull as a result of blow to the head or the body that makes the head and brain move suddenly. This movement causes brain chemicals to change and can stretch and damage the brain cells. It makes the brain more sensitive to any increased stress or injury until it fully recovers.

What are the signs or symptoms of a concussion?

Children and teens who show or report one or more of the signs and symptoms listed below, or simply say they just “don’t feel right” after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, may have a concussion or more serious brain injury.

Concussion Signs Observed

• Can’t recall events prior to or after a hit or fall.
• Appears dazed or stunned.
• Forgets an instruction, is confused about an assignment or position, or is unsure of the game, score, or opponent.
• Moves clumsily.
• Answers questions slowly.
• Loses consciousness (even briefly).
• Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes.

Concussion Symptoms Reported

• Headache or “pressure” in head.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision.
• Bothered by light or noise.
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy.
• Confusion, or concentration or memory problems.
• Just not “feeling right,” or “feeling down”.

Generally speaking, signs and symptoms of a concussion occur soon after the injury. However, some symptoms may show up hours or days later. Check for signs of concussion right after the injury and a few days after the injury. 

Do not try to judge the severity of your child's symptoms alone. Contact your primary care provider for guidance. 

Rarely, head injuries can become more serious. If your child or teen’s concussion signs or symptoms get worse, or you note one or more of the following danger signs, call 9-1-1 or take your child to the emergency department right away: 

• One pupil (the black part in the middle of the eye) is larger than the other.
• Drowsiness or cannot be awakened.
• A headache that gets worse and does not go away.
• Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination.
• Repeated vomiting or nausea.
• Slurred speech.
• Convulsions or seizures.
• Difficulty recognizing people or places.
• Increasing confusion, restlessness, or agitation.
• Unusual behavior.
• Loss of consciousness (even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously). 

Prevention

Not all concussions can be prevented, but some may be avoided. Athletes should be taught safe playing techniques and to follow the rules of the game. Helmets should fit well and be in good condition. Most importantly, every athlete needs to know how crucial it is to let their coach, athletic trainer, or parent know if they have hit their head or have symptoms of a head injury—even if it means stopping play. 

Never ignore a head injury, no matter how minor. Have your child evaluated by his or her primary care provider for appropriate diagnosis and care. 

Some of the above information was taken from cdc.gov/HEADSUP/. Check out their website for more information.