A concussion is a brain injury that’s caused by a fall, a direct hit to the head, or a jerk to the body that causes the brain to hit the skull. The brain floats safely in cerebrospinal fluid, and is normally protected from shock and daily activity.
However, sudden movements on the head or body can cause the brain to bash against the skull and cause contusions or bruises.
When this happens, it can cause shock the brain and lead to blackouts, disorientation, and dizziness. The symptoms of a concussion may not show right away. In fact, you may not even see symptoms from 48 hours up to 2 weeks after a suspected concussion. If your child taken a hit or fallen, here are the symptoms to look out for:
- Amnesia or loss of memory
- Asking the same question over and over
- Dazed or confused
- Dizziness
- Difficulty with balance
- Difficulty with concentration
- Double vision
- Drowsiness
- Fogginess
- Headache
- Irritability
- Lack of coordination
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Sleeping too much or unable to sleep
- Unconsciousness
- Vomiting
Experiencing one or more of these symptoms can indicate a possible concussion. You won’t know for sure unless you get checked out by a specialised doctor. So, if you suspect a concussion, make sure you seek medical attention.
Keep Calm!
Keep in mind that the concussion is reversible, and in most cases, children make full recoveries within 2-3 weeks. The time and effort it takes to recover, however, varies from child to child, so it’s important to prioritise the practices that will expedite their healing.
