Concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury resulting from a bump to the head or blow to the body that violently shakes the head back and forth. Children can get concussions from falls, sports and accidents. Concussions don't always cause loss of consciousness or seizure and effects might not be apparent for days or weeks. Although most concussions are a mild brain injury, consult a health care professional. Report any physical, cognitive, or behavioral changes to the child's doctor. Adults should note a child's symptoms and provide protect the child from further injury.
Physical Symptoms
Drowsiness is not unusual after a head injury. According to Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), it is important to call for emergency medical services if the child's pupils are not equal in size, or if a child is difficult to arouse, vomits repeatedly, complains of severe headache, has blood or clear fluid draining from the nose or ears or cannot stop crying. For infants, a bulging soft spot or refusal to eat are additional concerns.
A concussion may also cause children to have blurred or double vision, ringing in the ears or loss of balance. Prevent further falls, which could make the concussion worse and delay healing. Sensitivity to noise and light can be helped by providing a quiet environment and sunglasses or a hat, even indoors. Kids with mild brain injury may sleep more or less than normal. The return to regular activities should be gradual.
Cognitive Symptoms
According to CHOC, children might not remember the accident or what happened immediately before or afterward. They also might be confused and unaware that mental symptoms are related to the head injury. Ask the child questions such as "Do you know where we are?" or "What day is it?" to assess orientation. Trouble concentrating, learning and paying attention might affect schoolwork; the Alfred duPont Hospital for Children suggests that teachers give fewer assignments to children during recovery. Extra rest periods should be scheduled. A teen with a concussion should not drive, work or babysit until a physician clears her to do so.
Behavior
A concussion can affect mood and behavior and it is important to report changes to the child's doctor. The Alfred duPont Hospital for Children cautions that mood swings, sadness, increased frustration, loss of motivation, slow speech and delayed reactions might be signs of a serious condition. A blow to the head might not break the skin but can injure brain tissue, both at the site of the blow and on the opposite side of the head. Deteriorating behavior might be caused by brain injury.
