You may believe that concussions only occur on the soccer pitch or older kids. But, concussions can occur at any age and in boys and girls. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), concussions can also have long-term consequences for children, lasting up to a year after the incident, and are more common in girls’ sports. Parents must understand the signs and symptoms of concussions, how to minimize them, when to take children to a San Diego concussion doctor, and how the disease’s effects on children can affect them in the future.
How can you tell when your child has sustained a concussion?- Effects on Children
A concussion is brain damage induced by a knock to the head or the body. The child’s brain is more vulnerable than that of an adult, which is why parents and caregivers ought to be able to pick indicators of concussion in good time. Falls or hits, such as those seen in sports ranging from football to cheerleading, can result in concussions. From the American Academy of Pediatrics, almost 1 million and 2 million children in the United States suffer from a mild traumatic brain. When a concussion occurs, the brain is jarred, impairing cognitive function. This is particularly troublesome in youngsters under 15, as blood supply and oxygen to the brain may be reduced. Their capacity to focus, memory, and mental processes might all be impaired. The following are several common concussion symptoms:
- Thinking skills, like concentration and memory, are hard to execute.
- Â Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Â Headaches
- Irritability
When should you go to the ER?- Effects on Children
If your child falls and has an injury, the most crucial thing you can do is keep a close eye on your youngster. Then, pose the following questions to yourself:
- Is my child acting in a usual manner?
- Do they appear to be drowsier than usual?
- Has their attitude shifted?
Your child is most likely alright if they are awake, active, and do not appear to be acting any differently after a minor head injury. It is always a good idea to have your child undergo medical checks from time to time. A tiny knock on the head with no symptoms may not need a trip to the emergency room. A hematoma in a child’s brain can occur in rare situations after a head injury. A hematoma accumulates blood in the brain that presses against the skull. A hematoma is considered a medical emergency by doctors. If a child experiences the following symptoms, people should go to the emergency hospital or call an ambulance:
- Lost consciousness when impacted.
- Loss of memory for more than a day.
- Seizures, which means shaking or twitching.
- One pupil is larger than the other.
- Unclear speech.
- Being unable to wake up.
- Vomiting frequently.
- Symptoms that rapidly get worse.
Long-term impacts of concussion on children
While symptoms of head trauma are typically obvious, mental or emotional changes, such as behavioral changes or mood, can take weeks or months to develop. For instance, girls are twice as likely as boys to experience symptoms a year after a concussion. Furthermore, children who live in a family with no good communication or support do not recover, and children who live in a more stable setting. Children from low-income families or those with pre-existing mental problems are also more likely to have long-term symptoms.
If your child exhibits any signs of relapse following a concussion, such as drowsiness, confusion, or extreme mood swings, you should call MindSet or book an appointment online.
