WHAT IS CONCUSSION?

A concussion is a type of Traumatic Brain Injury caused by impact to the head directly by a hit to the head or indirectly by a hit to the body, which results in the head moving back and forth quickly.

Most sports carry a risk of concussion, some sports more than others. Contact sports are at higher risk of causing concussions. Contact sports include football, boxing, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, wrestling, ice and field hockey. 

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CONCUSSION

• Headaches/ head pressure
• Nausea/ Vomiting.
• Problems with balance or dizziness.
• Drowsiness.
• Vision changes: blurry vision, double vision
• Sleep problems: sleeping less or more, trouble sleeping.
• Fatigue
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Child appears dazed
• Confused and answers questions slowly.
• Repeats questions.
• Cannot recall events before and/or after impact.

CONCUSSION RED FLAGS

These signs can indicate immediate danger to the child and require urgent emergency room attention. In some rare cases, these signs may indicate bleeding into the brain, so call 911 or take it to the ER ASAP.

The signs include:

• Change in consciousness.
• One pupil (black of eye) is larger than the other. 
• Worsening headaches.
• Convulsion/Seizures.
• The child is tired and unable to stay awake.
• Repeated vomiting.
• Slurred speech.
• Worsening confusion.
• Weakness/numbness in arms and legs.
• Neck pain.
• Unusual behavior changes. 

WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOUR CHILD HAS A POSSIBLE CONCUSSION?

• Remove your child from play.
• Take the child to the Pediatrician for assessment.
• Ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep. The child can take naps if tired during the day.
• Avoid screens, i.e., TV, phones, etc.
• The child can take over-the-counter pain relievers for headaches. 
• Keep well hydrated.
• Eat healthy to ensure normal blood glucose levels.
• Limit Physical activity and activities that require lots of concentration until the Pediatrician clears.
• Discuss with your child’s Pediatrician when your child can return to school and to play. 

ENSURE YOUR CHILD STAYS SAFE DURING PLAY!

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