As the school year starts up, children are not only getting back to the books, but back in the game.
Taking part in sports is a great way to learn discipline, gain strength, build teamwork and have fun. Unfortunately, sometimes injuries occur. When it comes to concussions, here’s what parents need to know.
Question: What is a concussion, and how do I know whether a child has one?
Answer: A concussion is an injury causing a disturbance in brain function. It’s caused either by a direct blow to the head or by a blow to the body that causes the head to twist or shake. You don’t need to lose consciousness to have one — this happens in only 25 percent of concussion cases.
While concussions can be hard to recognize, children might complain of headache, light sensitivity and nausea. Symptoms others might notice include unsteady balance, vomiting, forgetfulness, blank stare, disorientation, confusion, slurred speech or amnesia. Another warning sign is abnormal behavior, such as angry outbursts, crying or running to the wrong side of the field.
Q: If a young athlete has a concussion, what will happen next?
A: If a concussion is suspected, the child will be removed from the practice or game and sent to a doctor for further evaluation. Children with more serious head injuries may be sent to an emergency room, though most kids do not need an X-ray, CT scan or MRI of the head.
The child should rest for a few days and increase levels of activity and schoolwork as symptoms diminish.
All concussion patients should get medical clearance from a doctor before returning to sports or PE class. Most children return to school within two or three days after the injury, and back to sports within two to three weeks.
Q: What options are there for treating a concussion?
A: Most cases resolve on their own with proper rest. Concussion patients should reduce or stop the use of electronic devices, such as video games, computers, tablets and smartphones, and limit watching TV. Eating healthy and staying well hydrated are encouraged.
Parents should contact their child’s school to inform them of their concussion, as some children can need classroom adjustments.
If a child is still struggling with symptoms one to two weeks later, some doctors will prescribe physical therapy to help rehabilitate the vestibular (balance) system or might refer the injured patient to a sports concussion specialist.
If a helmet was worn at the time of injury, the helmet should be checked for fit and damage. Bike helmets should be replaced.
Parents who suspect their child might have a concussion should call their child’s doctor or take him or her to an urgent care clinic or emergency room.
Dr. Rachel Coel is medical director at the Queen’s Center for Sports Medicine. The center provides comprehensive care for the treatment and prevention of injuries, including concussions, in athletes and active people of all ages. For more information or to make an appointment, call 691-4449 or visit queensmedicalcenter.org/sports-medicine.
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