Top 4 Things to Check if You Think Your Child Has a Concussion

03 Jan Top 4 Things to Check if You Think Your Child Has a Concussion

As a parent, nothing can be more heart-wrenching than hearing your child has been hurt and has a concussion. However, even though they are unfortunately common, many concussions can go undiagnosed. Concussions can happen at any age, in any type of contact sport, and they don’t always look as traumatic or as obvious from the outside.

This is why are a parent, you need to know the signs and symptoms of a concussion so that you can spot an issue in your child right away and make sure that they get the help that they need.

1. Irritability and Crying. This is an important sign to look for in younger children. Many babies and toddlers cannot communicate clearly and crying is the only way they can exhibit something is wrong. If you move a baby’s head when they have a concussion, they may cry more. In older children, signs of irritability may include changes in mood, such as feeling more sad, irritable, emotional or nervous. These changes may seem subtle, but as a parent, you may notice there is something different about their demeanor.

2. If your child is acting more drowsy than normal, after an injury or a fall, it may be time to take them to a doctor. Sometimes drowsiness is easily noticeable. Other times, you may only notice it when it comes to changes in their sleep patterns. They may look like they are daydreaming, or even struggle with their balance and walking. These are all signs something serious is forming.

3. Vision Issues. If you are worried that your child may be suffering from a concussion, one of the first things you should do is to check their vision. If your child has unequal, or enlarged pupils, it may be a sign of brain swelling. This is a medical emergency and you should call 9-1-1 immediately. If your child has double vision or blurry vision, is sensitive to light, or is struggling to see after an injury, you need to take them to the doctor.

4. Acting “Off” After an Injury. This is another very subtle tip, and it has a lot to do with parental intuition, but it is also one of the main ways that parents can spot concussions early. If your child has fallen, been injured or collided with someone while playing a sport, it is important that you immediately start paying close attention to your child’s behavior. If they are not acting normal, or like themselves, either immediately after their injury or in the next day or two, it is time to take them in. Remember, no one knows your child as well as you do. If you feel they are off, it is time to take them in for further diagnosis!

If you are worried your child may be suffering from a concussion, it is important to take them to a doctor or hospital right away. The only real treatment for a concussion is rest, but your doctor will be able to make sure there is no bleeding or other damage in the brain following this injury. Concussions are not to be taken lightly, so it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to these brain injuries.