The Impact of a Concussions Can Have On Your Child.

A serious hit to the head can hurt your brain and temporarily change the way your brain works. If that happens, the brain injury is called a concussion.  Concussions are tricky. Your caregiver or coach probably won’t be able to look at you and say for sure if you have a concussion.

What Causes Concussions?

Concussions are usually caused by some type of trauma to the head, like falling on the head or getting into a car accident.  Concussions are especially dangerous in young children because they may not be able to tell you how they’re feeling. You’ll need to watch them carefully for any signs and symptoms.  To make things even more confusing, sometimes concussion symptoms don’t show up right away after an injury. The signs and symptoms may appear hours or even days after the injury. The signs of a concussion are generally the same for any age. But for babies, toddlers, and older children, you may have to think a little differently when trying to determine if they have a concussion (sports injuries can often cause concussions as well. In some cases, it may be helpful to work with a pediatric physical therapist to help your child with strengthening and recovery after a sports injury).

Here are some signs to look out for when your child hits their head.

• crying when you move the baby’s head
• irritability
• interruption in the baby’s sleeping habits, either sleeping more or less
• vomiting
• bump or bruise on the head
• behavior changes
• excessive crying
• loss of interest in playing or doing their favorite activities
• dizziness or balance problems
• double or blurry vision
• sensitivity to light
• sensitivity to noise
• looking like they’re daydreaming
• trouble concentrating
• trouble remembering
• confused or forgetful about recent events
• slow to answer questions
• changes in mood — irritable, sad, emotional, nervous

The only treatment for a concussion is rest. The brain needs lots and lots of rest to heal from a concussion. A full recovery can take months or even a year, depending on the severity of the concussion.  If your child has had a concussion, it’s extremely important to prevent another concussion or head injury. Repeated concussions can cause permanent damage to the brain. If your child shows any signs of regression after a concussion, like grogginess, confusion, or large mood swings, you should make an appointment with the doctor for a checkup.