Healthy Living

As the weather cools (at some point it will) and school begins, local sports seasons take off in full force. With these fall sports comes the potential for injuries. One of the most common health issues that arises during youth sports seasons is concussions.

Concussions are defined by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons as “an injury to the brain that results in temporary loss of normal brain function.” This can have an especially pronounced impact on the developing brain of children and adolescents. Therefore, it is extremely important to learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion and what to do if your child or adolescent exhibits these signs.

Signs of a concussion.
Concussions can occur in many ways -- from a collision with another player, with equipment, or with a fall to the ground. If your child experiences a blow to the head, it is important to monitor them for signs of a concussion for the next several hours.

Dr. Anthony Alessi, a neurologist practicing in Norwich, explains that early signs of a concussion can include “headache, dizziness, nausea, a change in consciousness, memory difficulties and confusion.”
While one sign of a concussion is a change in consciousness, this is not a requirement for a concussion and should not be the sole determinant. A child can still have a concussion without a loss of consciousness. Additional chronic symptoms can include “persistent headache, difficulty concentrating, altered sleep, light sensitivity and dizziness,” according to Alessi.

You think your child might have a concussion. Now what?
If your child exhibits symptoms of a concussion it is important to take action. First, do not allow your child to continue playing in the game or participating in physical activity. If you are concerned about a concussion it is important for your child to be seen by a medical provider. Dr. Alessi explains that if the child’s primary care provider is available that should always be your first option. However, if that is not an option, the emergency room can be utilized. If the child’s symptoms continue a referral and evaluation by a neurologist is the next important step.

Treating a concussion.
It is important to follow the instructions of your child’s physician. The most common treatment is rest. This includes not only a break from sports but also from other mentally stimulating tasks such as video games and reading.

It is especially important for children to go back to playing gradually as additional concussions can have a significant impact on the brain. The child should only return to play with physician approval.
Once approved, the child should begin with light activity and only continue if he or she does not experience any symptoms. A discussion with your child’s coach is also important to assure that everyone is on the same page and doing what is best for your child.

How to prevent concussions
There are important preventative measures that you can take to lessen the risk of concussions in young athletes. The Institute of Medicine recommends making sure children have the correct equipment for their sport, that it is in good condition, and that they wear it properly.

Ensure that the field is in good condition, including looking for any holes or uneven surfaces. In addition, encourage children to learn and play by the rules of their sport. While these measures will not eliminate concussions, they can help keep the number of concussions and other injuries to a minimum.
Further information

If you would like to learn more about the signs and symptoms of concussions, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention offers a free 30-minute concussion training course for parents, coaches, and anyone else who is interested. It can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/training/index.html.