What every parent needs to know about concussions

From spirited games on the playground to organized sports, the potential for head injuries, including concussions, is a reality for many kids during childhood and adolescence.

While concussions are often discussed, there are still many misconceptions about what they are and what they are not.

What is a concussion? A concussion is an injury to the brain which causes a short-term shift in brain chemicals. This leads to temporary symptoms and temporary changes in how the brain works. When someone has a concussion there is no structural injury which can be seen through imaging, like a CT scan.

Kids and teens who follow their health care provider’s recommendations usually feel better within a few weeks of the concussion.

How do concussions happen?

Concussions occur when there is a force delivered to the head or body which causes the brain to ‘jostle’ inside the skull. This is similar to a person or object moving inside the car when it comes to an abrupt stop.

What are the symptoms of a concussion?

There are many possible symptoms of a concussion, but they fall into four main categories:

Physical symptoms: eadache, dizziness, nausea, neck pain.

Mental symptoms: forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, confusion.

Sleep symptoms: difficulty sleeping, increased fatigue, sleeping more than usual.

Emotional symptoms: more mood swings, changes in personality.

People do not need all the symptoms to have a concussion. Some patients may only have one or two symptoms.

When should a parent be concerned?

Parents should be concerned about any head injury which causes symptoms. Symptoms can show up immediately or may evolve over 24-48 hours. If concerned, parents should make an appointment with a sports medicine provider or other concussion specialist to get a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.

What is the treatment for a concussion?

Immediate treatment involves resting the brain. The more a patient rests during the first 24-48 hours, the faster the recovery. After 48 hours, rest is used to manage symptoms but will not speed recovery. The brain recovers on its own, without any additional intervention. Typically, the patient’s concussion team will use subsequent visits to help a child navigate school and sports during the recovery process.

How can concussions be avoided?

There is no guaranteed method to prevent concussions other than never being active. This is not recommended due to the more severe health consequences of inactivity. The best advice is to use appropriate safety gear for the sport, which fits correctly. While these do not prevent concussions, they will reduce the risk of more severe injuries like skull fractures and brain bleeds. The other recommendation is to ensure a concussion has fully healed before returning to sports. While recovering, it is easier to get a second injury because of balance problems and slowed reaction times. The second injury is typically significantly worse than the first and can cause permanent brain damage or death in the most extreme cases.

Dayton Children’s Hospital is dedicated to the relentless pursuit of optimal health for every child within our reach. To connect with Dayton Children’s, go online to www. childrensdayton.org.