A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or
TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that
causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement
can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, stretching and
damaging the brain cells and creating chemical changes in the brain.
Medical providers may describe a concussion as a “mild”
brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, the
effects of a concussion can be serious.
Children and teens who show or report one or more of the
signs and symptoms listed below, or simply say they just “don't feel right”
after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, may have a concussion or more
serious brain injury.
Concussion Signs Observed
- Can’t recall events prior to or after a hit or fall.
- Appears dazed or stunned.
- Forgets an instruction, is confused about an assignment or position, or is unsure of the game, score, or opponent.
- Moves clumsily.
- Answers questions slowly.
- Loses consciousness (even briefly).
- Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes.
Concussion Symptoms Reported
- Headache or “pressure” in head.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision.
- Bothered by light or noise.
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy.
- Confusion, or concentration or memory problems.
- Just not “feeling right,” or “feeling down”.
Signs and symptoms generally show up soon after the injury.
However, you may not know how serious the injury is at first and some symptoms
may not show up for hours or days. For example, in the first few minutes your
child or teen might be a little confused or a bit dazed, but an hour later your
child might not be able to remember how he or she got hurt.
You should continue to check for signs of concussion right
after the injury and a few days after the injury. If your child or teen’s
concussion signs or symptoms get worse, you should take him or her to the
emergency department right away.
Rest is very important after a concussion because it helps
the brain heal. Your child or teen may need to limit activities while he or she
is recovering from a concussion. Physical activities or activities that involve
a lot of concentration, such as studying, working on the computer, or playing
video games may cause concussion symptoms (such as headache or tiredness) to
come back or get worse. After a concussion, physical and cognitive
activities—such as concentration and learning—should be carefully watched by a
medical provider. As the days go by, your child or teen can expect to slowly
feel better.
Have your child or
teen get plenty of rest.
Keep a regular sleep routine, including no late nights
and no sleepovers.
Make sure your
child or teen avoids high-risk/high-speed activities that could result in
another bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, such as riding a bicycle,
playing sports, climbing playground equipment, and riding roller coasters .
Children and teens should not return to these types of activities until their
medical provider says they are well enough.
Return Slowly to Activities.
When your child or
teen’s medical provider says they are well enough, make sure they return to
their normal activities slowly, not all at once.
Talk with their
medical provider about when your child or teen should return to school and
other activities and how you can help him or her deal with any challenges
during their recovery. For example, your child may need to spend less time at
school, rest often, or be given more time to take tests.
Ask your child’s
medical provider when he or she can safely drive a car or ride a bike.
There are many people who can help you and your family as
your child or teen recovers. You do not have to do it alone. Keep talking with
your medical provider, family members, and loved ones about how your child or
teen is feeling. If you do not think he or she is getting better, tell your
medical provider.
Source: CDC
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