Head's Up - Tips on How to Prevent Kids' Concussions

Concussions and head injuries are common childhood injuries in active kids. The most common causes of concussions are falls or hits during simple childhood activities – sports, biking, skating, and climbing. In fact, children under the age of 17 make up about 70% of emergency room visits for sports and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries and concussions, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“While bumps on the head may seem like a childhood rite of passage, they can be dangerous in cases of concussions,” says Anthony Zalewski, RN, BSN, MHA, Injury Prevention and Outreach Coordinator for The MetroHealth System Division of Trauma.

Concussions Explained

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to hit back and forth.

This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells. These changes in the brain lead to symptoms that may affect how a child thinks, learns, feels, acts, and sleeps, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The effects of a concussion can last between a few days to a few months. If you delay treatment for a concussion, it can take longer to get better.

Getting Treatment

How do you know when to go to a doctor? The bottom line is that if you’re worried about your child after a fall or a head bump, you should have your child seen by a doctor or medical provider.

It’s important to remember that some signs of concussion may not appear for three to five days.

Immediate Warning Signs:

• Losing consciousness, even briefly
• Being unable to follow simple directions
• Feeling disoriented
• Nausea or vomiting right away

Symptoms you may notice in the hours and days after:

• Your child isn’t acting “themselves”
• Confusion
• Seeming to be uncoordinated in their actions
• Trouble balancing
• Forgetfulness
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Vision problems or a vacant look in their eyes
• Light or sound sensitivity
• Irritability

Concussions usually need rest and time for the brain to heal, but your doctor can tell you the best treatment. Follow up or visit your or your child’s primary care provider or the MetroHealth Concussion Clinic. It’s best to do this as soon as possible. Your provider will evaluate your child and develop a recovery plan to help them return to their normal activities.

Most people recover from concussions quickly, but it’s important to remember that because concussions are mild brain injuries, it takes some people longer.

When to go to the Emergency Room

Go to the Emergency Department (or call 911) if the person who is injured:

• Is over 65
• Is on blood thinners
• Has bruising around the eyes and had a significant injury
• Had a bad fall or accident and may have other injuries

Concussion Dos and Don’ts

1. Do wear helmets. Proper head protection for sports like skateboarding, biking, skiing and snowboarding can help protect your child or teen from a serious brain or head injury. Make sure it fits correctly!
2. Do try to prevent falls. Keep an eye on young kids as they climb playground equipment, stairs or trees.
3. Don’t forget to buckle up in the car. Seat belts, booster seats and car seats can help prevent brain injury in the instance of an automobile accident.
4. Do see a doctor if you’re concerned about how your child acts or feels after a head injury. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
5. Don’t return to activity without a doctor’s approval. Playing sports before your child is cleared to go back puts them at risk for a worse brain injury.