Summer in Ohio is amazing. The weather is great, sports seasons are in full swing, and there are endless ways to spend family time together. With this increase in outdoor and physical activities, it is also a time of year when various injuries like broken bones, and concussions can be a common occurrence.
Head injuries can be incredibly stressful events for both parents and children. It is helpful to know how to manage a head injury in a child.
What is a concussion?
In a mild head injury, there is trauma to the skin and soft tissue of the scalp. In a more significant head injury, a concussion can occur. When a concussion happens, there is trauma to the brain itself. This is commonly seen in a hit to the head, or in a whiplash injury – where the brain forcefully shifts and rebounds within the skull.
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
When there is a significant injury to the head or neck area, closely monitor your child’s symptoms. Significant headache is the most common concussion symptom. Since the brain often bounces around the skull in a concussion, the headache is frequently located on the opposite side of the head from the injury.
Red flags associated with a head injury are loss of consciousness or persistent vomiting. If either of these occur, your child should be seen by a medical professional immediately. Other common concussion symptoms are dizziness, amnesia (memory problems), vision changes, nausea, and balance problems.
How do I manage a significant head injury?
If there is a concern for a concussion, your child needs to be removed from any sports activity immediately. Some sports teams have trainers or medical professionals who can evaluate the child for a concussion on the spot. If red flags are present (loss of consciousness or vomiting), your child should be taken to the nearest emergency department for evaluation. If concussion symptoms are present without red flags, it is best for your child to rest until evaluated by a medical professional.
If a concussion has been diagnosed, your child needs to rest. Avoid physically, visually, or mentally stimulating activities – watching tv, video games, or sometimes even difficult schoolwork – until symptoms are tolerable.
Athletes should be headache and symptom-free before returning to sports. Once symptoms have resolved, a gradual return to play is recommended. Your medical provider can give you instructions on this stair-step protocol. If concussion symptoms return as activity level increases, your child should again decrease exertion level. Once they have completed each stairstep without symptoms returning, they are usually cleared to return to physical activity.
Newer studies suggest that a return to light physical activity may improve healing time in someone with a concussion. Be sure to discuss up-to-date concussion management with your medical provider.
Why are concussions a problem?
There is emerging evidence that recurrent concussions can lead to long-term neurologic disabilities (think about retired NFL players). There also is a rare complication called second impact syndrome (SIS). SIS occurs when an individual experiences a concussion before they have fully healed from a prior concussion. There are reports of death associated with SIS.
How can concussions be prevented?
The best way to avoid concussions is to follow recommended protocols in sports regarding protection (helmets, pads, etc.) and proper techniques (safe tackling, avoiding head trauma, etc.). Concussions can also occur outside of sporting activities. Make sure your children are wearing helmets any time they are riding bikes, scooters, skates, skateboards, or other activities where a head injury could occur. Avoid ATVs, four-wheelers, and activities that would put your child at risk. Ensure you are following proper car and booster seat guidelines. Make sure to child-proof your house and closely monitor your child when they are at risk of injury.
Significant head injuries are thankfully rare, but it is essential to understand how they can be minimized and then managed when they occur. Enjoy the summer and amazing weather with your family, even if you are stuck in a brutal, never-ending, little league doubleheader in the 90-degree heat.
