YOU Docs Daily
Symptoms of Concussion: What to Look for After a Blow to the Head
Q. My two kids play soccer and football. They're fit, healthy, and love their sports, but I worry about head injuries and concussions. Can I prevent 'em? I don't know what I'd do if either one got hurt.
-- Anonymous, via e-mail
A. All kids look like Mr. Potato Head from time to time, with lumps and bumps on their noggins. Often, it's no problem; a swollen goose egg just means normal clotting goings on underneath. That said, if either child ever takes a hard blow to the head and might have a concussion, YOU need to know what to do. (For football, biking, snowboarding and more, here's how to choose the best helmet -- one that will stay on.)
First, if your child yelps in pain, that's good! He or she is conscious. (If your child doesn’t respond, get medical attention STAT.) Keep a close watch for 48 hours. It can take that long after a head blow for symptoms of trouble to develop (a concussion or something else). Red flags include headaches, dizziness, eyes that aren't in sync, nausea, confusion, unusual sleepiness, and/or agitation. Head for the ER if any of these occur.
Wake your child a couple times during the night to check for symptoms. If you get an irritated "Mom, I'm trying to sleep," that's good, but if you're unsure, it's never wrong to have a head injury checked out.
Be pro-active and teach your two favorite sports nuts to play it safe. Take this preventive step, too: Get each of your kids one of the new double-sided gel mouth guards, made to protect against football and soccer concussions. You'll sleep better.
Not sure when to rush your child to the ER? Take this quiz so you'll know.
