Back to school also means back to sports for many kids. Health officials are warning parents about the dangers of concussions.
According to Children’s Helathcare of Atlanta, because a child’s brain is still developing, a head injury can be more serious than one thinks. A concussion can happen anytime, anywhere — on the field, on the playground, at home or at school.
A child does not have to lose consciousness (pass out) to have a concussion. There are many signs associated with a concussion and a child may not show any symptoms until a few days after the head injury.
Signs and symptoms of a possible concussion after a head injury include:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Clumsy movement or dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Memory loss
- Tiredness
- Upset stomach
- Vision problems
- Sensitivity to noise and light
- Numbness or tingling anywhere on the body
- Loss of balance or trouble walking
- Feel mentally foggy, cannot think clearly or remember things
- Slurred speech or other changes in speech
- Be irritable or more fussy than usual
- Acts differently than normal (does not play, acts fussy, or seems confused)
- Feel more emotional, like very sad or nervous
- Change in sleeping patterns
Health professionals warn that some activities may worsen concussion symptoms.
These include normal activities like watching television, texting, playing video games and using a computer.
Reading and studying can be equally as stressful to the brain; therefore, school schedules may need to be modified if a child has a concussion.
