Concussions in Pediatrics: What Parents Need to Know
by Steven DeGennaro, MPT
Fall Sports and Concussion Concerns
Along with the fall season comes the return to school sports such as football, soccer, hockey, cheerleading, and others. This may cause some concerns among parents as a result of all of the discussion in the media regarding concussions. There are a few key things that parents can look out for to know the warning signs of a concussion and to act quickly when they feel that something is not right.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that causes a temporary loss of normal brain function. While a concussion is often caused by a direct blow to the head, it can also be caused by a whiplash injury sustained during a fall, car accident, playing with friends, climbing a tree, or other forceful incidents that cause what is known as a coup-contrecoup force on the brain. Children can be roughhousing with friends or fall off a bike without hitting their head and still get a concussion from forceful back-and-forth movement of the head.
Immediate Symptoms of a Concussion
Some of the more common symptoms that parents can look for immediately after a concussion include:
Dizziness
Confusion
Loss of consciousness
Balance issues
Memory loss
Nausea and vomiting
Long-term Symptoms of a Concussion
Over the longer term, children may report:
Headaches
Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light
General feeling of fogginess
Parents may also notice personality changes in their children such as irritability or frustration.
Diagnosing and Treating a Concussion
A concussion will not be visible on medical tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, although these tests may be performed to rule out a more serious injury. Diagnosis is made based on history and evaluation of symptoms. Treatment for a concussion involves physical and mental rest and a gradual return to activity. Mental rest may involve limiting schoolwork, screen time, and computer use if these activities are exacerbating symptoms.
If some symptoms persist—headaches, neck pain, balance issues, etc.—it is recommended to consult a health care professional such as a physical therapist or chiropractor. The majority of concussion symptoms often resolve on their own after 2 to 3 weeks, but if any symptom persists after this amount of time, parents should seek medical help.
Managing Concussion Symptoms at School
With more serious and longer-term concussion symptoms, children may experience difficulty concentrating and other cognitive challenges while at school. In these cases, it is important to work with your pediatrician or other health care professional to determine an ideal schedule for returning to activity. Children may need to do a partial school day and gradually build up to a full return to activity. The key to recovering from a concussion, both physically and mentally, involves balancing the appropriate amount of rest with a gradual return to activity while monitoring your child’s symptoms to make sure they are not getting worse.
Prevention and Awareness of Concussions in Pediatrics
The good news is that there is an increased awareness regarding concussions, and parents can do a lot to help prevent concussions and minimize their effects. Always use proper safety equipment such as helmets when riding a vehicle or participating in sports. It is also important to educate children to always tell a parent or coach if they sustain an injury to the head and don’t feel right afterwards. The general consensus among pediatric specialists and sports medicine doctors is that the benefits of youth sports and activities greatly outweigh the risks. However, always consult your pediatrician if you have concerns about your child participating in any specific sports or activities. With early recognition and proper treatment, children can make a full recovery from a concussion and eventually return to the activities they enjoy most.
If you have any concerns about your child's health or symptoms, please reach out to a trusted healthcare provider for guidance and support!