Concussions

Head injury is common cause of concussion

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head, such as during contact sports like football, or by falling or being shaken, such as from a car accident involving a whiplash injury. If you or your child has had a head injury, it’s important to call your doctor even if the condition doesn’t seem serious. Children, in particular, are more susceptible to long-term effects of concussion if left undiagnosed and untreated.

Symptoms of concussion in adults and children

In addition to symptoms such as headache or dizziness, people who’ve suffered a concussion may also have:

• Slurred speech
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty remembering things
• Problems with balance
• Nausea or vomiting

Children may have similar symptoms but may also show more subtle signs that something is wrong, such as:

• Throwing temper tantrums or being more moody than usual
• Not being interested in their favorite toys
• Crying excessively
• Wanting to sleep a lot
• Eating less than usual

If you have any concern about your child and possible concussion, be sure to call your pediatrician for advice.

Concussion from sports injuries

Anyone who plays sports who is showing signs or symptoms of concussion should stop and receive medical attention before resuming any activity. If you have no immediate symptoms but you suffered a blow while playing sports, it’s still important to get checked out. You may not show outward signs but you may have a concussion nonetheless. Continuing to play could cause further damage to the brain.

Recovering from concussion

While concussion conditions may range from mild to severe, most people, children included, recover within a few days or weeks.
If you suspect that you or someone you love has a concussion, please get in touch with a specialist at Main Line Health.