Fact: Each year about 173,285 kids (0-19 years) in the US are treated for traumatic brain injuries or concussions from sports or play. Compared to adults, young kids and teenagers require more time to heal from head trauma. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC)
Since kids love to play and are prone to head trauma, being able to recognize the symptoms becomes vital for parents, caretakers, coaches and teachers.
But before we get to the symptoms of concussions, first things first.
What is a concussion?
According to Web MD it’s a kind of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head, which results to the brain moving or shaking in the skull. It becomes dangerous when the brain hits the skull with a lot of force.
If you know or suspect that your child has sustained head trauma, whether or not he has external head injuries such as cuts and bumps, here are…
Concussion Symptoms to Watch Out For
- Unconsciousness (even for a few minutes)
- Seeing stars, dizziness or light-headedness
- Headaches, neck pains
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness and or difficulty in waking your child
- Convulsions, seizures
- A pupil that is bigger than the other
- Difficulty remembering what happened (amnesia), being dazed or confused
- Slurred speech
Both the CDC and Mayo Clinic also include the following signs or symptoms:
- Concentration or memory problems
- Being irritable or moody
- Being anxious or nervous
- Being sensitive to light and or noise
- Difficulty in sleeping or changes in sleeping habits (too much or too little sleep)
- Depression
- Taste or smell disorders
The latter list of symptoms may be observed a few days or weeks after the head trauma. Should your child suffer from the above mentioned, seek professional help immediately.
Conclusion
Concussions are serious brain injuries that can affect your child’s future which is why the NHL Health and Safety has teamed up with many organizations to help educate adults on how to prevent and recognize concussions.
Remember that being active is a big part of childhood. Allow your kiddos to play sports and other outdoor activities but keep them safe with the right gear, and always watch out for these concussion symptoms in case of any head injuries.
Do you know other moms with extremely active kids? Spread the love by sending this to them, it may help ease their fears and even save lives.
About Anne Mercado
this is one of my fears! our little one is super active and would easily fall from different places. She loves to run without looking where she is going. This is really handy for parents to know. Thanks for the post!
Spanish Pinay
The one where she kept denying she did some serious business…
Twitter: Spanish_Pinay
I’m going to write more about concussions for infants and toddlers since they can’t really talk yet. Glad you found it useful
so scary to have to worry about that!
French Toast Bake
Twitter: ThaiHoaB
It is. Unfortunately, it does happen
The days after a concussion, or if bleeding occurs in the brain is the most dangerous part. Remember Natasha Richardson, who fell skiing, and then died later with a head bleed? It can happen to all of us.
LITTLE COMEDY CLUB…..MONSTER UPDATE
Twitter: ClubContent
That freaked me out a bit but yes, you are correct, it can happen to all of us! Thanks for the reminder, Courtney!
Thank you for your help! This is a topic that we all need to be aware of. I can get some info from the CDC on infants and toddlers risks, if you want it to help with your post on their risks.
What Can We Learn from Joanna Ramos’ Death
Twitter: slhenrici
Completely agree with you that we all should know about this topic. Would appreciate any help you can give. Thanks, Shannon!
I’ve been hearing a lot about this lately, and it has me a bit worried. My kids are not quite 2 and 4 but they are very active little guys and will likely be interested in organized sports at some point. I’ve told my husband that I’m NOT comfortable with them playing tackle football when they get older. I’m hoping it’s a non-issue and they become interested in something else.
How to Look Like a Chicken on Ecstasy
Twitter: crazedkitchen
Completely get what you say about contact sports. Hopefully your kids will develop an interest for safer activities. Thanks for dropping by and happy weekend to you!
Great information. I suffered a concussion at age 12; still don’t remember what happened.
The Difference Is: Headless Chickens Slow Down Eventually…
Twitter: KennyBodanis
Haha! If you want to remember, our latest post might help. Happy weekend to you!
Great info to have! Thanks for the info on concussions! Have a good weekend
Melted Crayon Art by Melissa at All Sewn Up
Thanks for dropping by, Michelle! Hope al is well with you!
Thank you. Just saved it to readability so I’ll have the quick reference for a “just in case”.
How’s that phonetic spelling workin’ for ya?
Twitter: sporadictweets
Glad you find it useful. Oh, and I’m crossing my fingers (and toes) that you’ll never have to use it
This is really great. We all have those moments were we are totally unsure about what to do…are they okay or are they not okay? My mom is a nurse so with any head injury at my house I break out the pin light and pupils get checked…it certainly makes ME feel better at least.
Modern Vintage {Design Inspiration}
Thanks for that tip
Oh and what exactly do you check for when looking at the pupils?
I have two boys and let me tell you know the signs of a concussion are so IMPORTANT! They are forever jumping out of trees and off furniture. I swear the little monkeys have scared me to death many times.
Yes, our adorable monkeys do like jumping up, down and off from things. All that pent up energy needs to be released so uhh maybe helmets around the house are a good idea haha
Thanks for dropping by and hope to see you around here more!
Yes, it’s very good to be aware of these things and know what to do if/when it should happen to us. Several of my kids have had concussions, which turned out to not be serious, thankfully!
Very well said! Many parents don’t think accidents will happen to their kiddos (raises her hands) which is why this is a good reminder that it can – no matter how unfortunate that sounds.