Most people in California who suffer from head injuries are adults involved in car accidents and falls. However, children can also sustain trauma and develop concussions from falls and sports activity. These are some of the common concussion symptoms children of all age ranges can experience.
Typical concussion symptoms
One of the first signs of a concussion is the sensation of pressure in the head or a headache. Children can also exhibit confusion, memory problems, dizziness and a lack of coordination. They may be slow to respond and have difficulty understanding, especially shortly after sustaining a concussion.
Behavior and personality changes often occur in kids who sustain concussions. They might have trouble concentrating, which is even more noticeable at school or in a group of their peers. Children may also recoil from bright light and loud sounds.
As a parent, your guard should be up if your child has suffered a head injury, and he or she begins to have problems sleeping. Take note of any vision troubles such as blurriness or double vision. A concussion can also lead to irritability and erratic mood swings.
Serious concussion symptoms
Although all head injuries require medical attention, some symptoms make them even more urgent. They include slurred speech, nausea and vomiting, persistent headaches, dilated pupils or one pupil larger than the other, and seizures or convulsions.
You should immediately call for an ambulance if your child is extremely lethargic or drowsy and cannot be woken up from sleep. These are severe signs of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, which could potentially be permanent, disabling and even deadly.
The best way to protect your child from a concussion when he or she plays sports is to ensure that he or she wears a well-fitting helmet. If your child has been diagnosed with a concussion, he or she shouldn’t return to play until being cleared by a doctor.