Concussions can be caused by sudden falls, violent shaking, or a blow to the head. They can cause a blood clot to form on the brain after the injury, hence the need to be vigilant of children and teens who enjoy contact sports or games. In some cases, they can cause a person to black out, but this isn’t the case for all concussions.
Common symptoms are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Ringing in the ears
- Confusion
- Daziness
- Speech issues, such as slurring of words
These symptoms can last hours, days, weeks, or even months. Other issues that can occur later include difficulty sleeping or irritability. Children may even have difficulty walking or lose their balance.
Some concussions are medical emergencies and require a visit to the doctor. Not only will this help the child heal faster, but it will let them rest and prevent yet another hit that could worsen the current concussion.
A few ways to help children and teens heal include complete rest. Both mental and physical rest can help a child get better and prevent future issues. Exercise and even reading could cause the child to get tired, and this means it’s time to give them a break or refrain from these completely for a few days until they recover.
Potential problems of untreated concussions in children and teens may include:
- Post-concussion syndrome: a condition in which concussions are slower to heal.
- Another concussion if the current one hasn’t healed properly.
- Severe brain injuries that go undetected.
Severe brain injuries can cause changes in personality and even developmental issues. They’re quite rare and preventable as long as children and teens properly heal.
Protective equipment can help children and teens prevent concussions, but these may not be enough to protect them from all types of injuries, especially if the sport they play is intense.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/basics/concussion_symptoms.html
https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/childrens-health/dangers-of-untreated-concussions-kids-sports
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/symptoms-causes/syc-20355594
