A blow to the head can cause a concussion, which is a type of brain injury. In an article in the “New England Journal of Medicine,” Drs. A. Roper and K. Gorson note that the highest rates of concussion occur among children. Concussion symptoms are the subjective sensations experienced by the person with this brain injury. Symptoms are not always observable by others. Parents should listen to a child’s descriptions of her symptoms, but should also watch for the external signs of concussion.
Headache
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that a child may experience headache after sustaining a concussion. Most children, even younger ones with limited vocabularies, can usually communicate that they are experiencing this symptom. A child may also experience a sensation of pressure inside her head, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Dizziness
A child may experience dizziness as another symptom of a concussion. She might say that she feels light headed or weak. She may suffer from vertigo and say that she feels like she is spinning or that everything else is spinning around her. The CDC notes that a child may also have balance problems. This symptom might lead to observable signs such as an unsteady walk, or falling down. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) warns that walking problems are sign of a medical emergency. Parents should seek immediate medical attention for a child who complains of or displays evidence of this symptom.
Vision Problems
A child with a concussion may experience and might report symptoms involving their vision. These could include blurred or double vision or light sensitivity. The NIH notes that another vision problem that could be a symptom of a concussion is the impression of seeing flashing lights.
Nausea
A child may complain of feeling nauseous after sustaining a concussion. Vomiting may also occur.
Mental Disorientation
A child may report symptoms such as feelings of confusion or “spaciness,” according to the NIH. She may also describe her symptoms as fogginess or haziness, according to the CDC. These symptoms might translate into observable signs. If playing a sport at the time of the injury, the child may not remember what position she was playing before the concussion. She may say that she can’t think straight, and she might feel and express uncertainly about the score, the game, or her opponent. She might forget instructions and if someone asks her a question, she might respond slowly.
