Concussion concerns

CHILDREN are generally very active, from involvement in various sporting activities to playground engagements. These activities put them at a greater risk of accidents resulting in several injuries. One of the most common is a concussion, because children’s brains are underdeveloped.

But what are concussions and how can they be identified? What should you do if your child is hit in the head?

“A concussion is a trauma or injury to the brain that causes temporary or permanent disruption of its functions,” said Dr Anona Griffith, paediatrician at Gateway Plaza, Old Harbour.

She noted that it is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can occur following a blow to the head, face or neck, a fall on the head, or sudden movement of the head and neck where there is the contact of the soft brain tissue against the hard skull.

“Concussions are not always immediately identified. Each case is unique, and in some cases the signs and symptoms of a concussion may be delayed, with the symptoms manifesting several hours after the incident took place,” Dr Griffith shared.

She advised parents to take note of the following signs and symptoms of a concussion in children in an effort to know when to seek medical attention for a diagnosis. They include:

•Headaches

•Drowsiness or loss of consciousness

•Dizziness

•Unsteadiness or imbalance

•Seizures

•Vomiting

•Nausea

•Blurring of vision

•Slurring of speech

•The child cries consistently and is inconsolable.

Behavioural changes such as:

•Sleeping patterns vary — they may want to sleep for lengthier periods

•Eating habits change — some children may refuse to eat

• They have much difficulty concentrating.

There are some instances, however, when urgent medical attention must be sought: if the child has a seizure, difficulty staying awake, alteration of speech or balance, loss of consciousness and vomiting.

Dr Griffith advised that anything more than a small bump on a child’s head requires investigation. She notes that are various complications associated with post-concussion syndrome that could affect children if a concussion goes untreated or undertreated.

The Mayo Clinic reports that potential complications of concussion include:

•Post-traumatic headaches

•Some people experience headaches within a week to a few months after a brain injury

•Post-traumatic vertigo

•Some people experience a sense of spinning or dizziness for days, week or months after a brain injury.

“Since we are aware that tell-tale signs of a concussion are sometimes delayed, it goes without saying that manifestations in children must be monitored closely so as to observe new or evolving signs,“ Dr Griffith said. “Also, plenty of rest must be encouraged in order to ensure healing and recovery.”