Introduction
Youth sports have an impact on all of us, whether we’re parents hoping our kids will develop a love of the game or educators wondering how to keep our students safe while they play. The good news is that young athletes have more awareness than ever before about the potential risks related to concussions (including headaches and other symptoms), thanks to information campaigns like Heads Up and more stringent school policies.
In this post, Dr. John Manzella will cover everything you need to know about concussions in youth sports: why they happen, what symptoms look like, and how best to treat them. We’ll also discuss how physical education classes can help protect children from injury when playing sports outside school hours—and how parents can help keep their children safe both at home and away from the field.
Concussions are serious brain injuries that can lead to long-term symptoms like headaches, nausea, and difficulty concentrating.
Concussions are serious brain injuries that can lead to long-term symptoms like headaches, nausea, and difficulty concentrating. They’re caused by a blow to the head. Concussions can be caused by sports (like football), car accidents and falls.
Even a blow that doesn’t cause a concussion can cause damage.
Even a blow that doesn’t cause a concussion can cause damage. The brain is floating in fluid, and when it moves suddenly, it may hit the inside of the skull. This can cause bleeding or bruising within the brain itself. Even if there’s no visible injury (like swelling), these injuries can lead to long-term effects like headaches and memory loss.
Even seemingly mild concussions are serious injuries that require medical attention–and kids should never try to tough out an injury on their own!
If you suspect your child has had a concussion, call 911 or take them to an emergency room immediately.
If your child has been diagnosed with a concussion, they will need to be checked out by a doctor. Call 911 if they’re unconscious or have any of the following symptoms:
- A headache that gets worse or does not go away
- Vomiting or nausea
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Slurred speech
It’s important that parents recognize the signs of concussion, then keep their children safe while they heal up after an injury
If your child has experienced a concussion, it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of concussion. A brain injury can be difficult for parents and coaches alike to detect, especially when the child is trying his or her best not to show any pain or weakness in front of others.
- Signs include:
- Headache
- Dizziness/lightheadedness
- Nausea/vomiting
- Balance problems (falling)
If you suspect that your child has sustained a concussion while playing sports, take them to see their doctor right away!
Conclusion
If your child has experienced a head injury, it’s important that you get them the help they need as soon as possible. If they show any signs of concussion, call 911 or take them to an emergency room immediately.
