Concussions

What are concussions?

A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury that occurs as a result of head trauma. To understand concussions, it’s helpful to think about the way your body protects your brain from harm. 

Your brain is encased in the protective structure of your skull. It’s surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid, which helps absorb shock. The brain itself has a gelatin-like consistency and is easily damaged. 

When a head injury like a bump, fall, blow or jolt to the head causes your skull to move quickly, your brain can move in a back-and-forth motion within your cerebrospinal fluid. If it makes contact with the interior surface of your skull, damage can easily occur. 

This damage can cause physical or chemical changes in the brain, which often creates serious issues. While some concussions that don’t create a risk of death are categorized as “mild,” all concussions are serious injuries that deserve prompt medical attention. 

How do kids get concussions?

Kids can get a concussion in a number of different ways. In some cases, a traumatic injury like a car accident creates the force necessary to damage brain cells. Acts of violence are sadly another common cause of concussion in children. 

Sports injuries involving the head are a leading cause of concussion. It doesn’t take a direct hit from a ball, bat, or other pieces of equipment; something as simple as a fall can lead to a concussion. 

Many children experience concussions as a result of normal play at home, at school, or in social settings.  

What are some signs my child might have a concussion?

Knowing what to look for can help you know when to take action for a concussion. Some of the indications that a child has sustained a concussion include:

• Losing consciousness for more than 30 seconds
• Pale appearance for an hour or more
• Headache that worsens over time
• Repeated nausea or vomiting
• Behavioral changes
• Speech changes
• Ringing in the ears
• Confusion or disorientation

No one knows your child better than you. If you feel something is wrong after a child sustains any form of head trauma, reach out to Advanced Pediatrics to set up a diagnostic assessment. Same-day and drive-up visits are an option, and you can always book less urgent visits online.