Did you know that 10 percent of people who play contact sports will experience a concussion each year? If your child plays football, he’s particularly at risk since the sport is often associated with traumatic brain injuries that can be fatal.
Therefore, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of one of the biggest dangers of football so that a medical professional can provide proper care. If your child does have a concussion, he must stop playing sports immediately until a doctor deems it’s safe – or else more sports injuries can occur.
Read on to learn about common signs of concussions in athletes so you can recognize them in your child.
1. Problems With Thinking and Concentration
If you notice that your child seems confused, takes longer to think than usual or can’t concentrate on an everyday task, these are all signs of a traumatic brain injury like a concussion. You might also notice problems remembering new things you mention, or your child may look sluggish. These problems may get worse when your child visits a busy public place.
2. Vision Problems
Pay attention to whether your child seems to squint or looks confused because concussions often cause a person’s vision to look blurry. Your child may also experience double vision that seems disorienting.
3. Headache and Dizziness
Whenever your child hits his head, you’d likely expect head pain. However, your child’s headaches could indicate something serious like a concussion, especially if your child experiences dizziness at the same time. The pain may also feel unique like pressure within the head.
4. Stomach Discomfort
Your child might have a stomachache or feel nauseous due to a concussion. Vomiting may also happen, either right after the accident or even several days later.
5. Problems With Balance and Reactions
This type of brain injury can make it difficult for your child to walk due to balance issues from the disorientation. This can cause your child to stumble or bump into things. You may also notice slow reactions when your child moves around.
6. Loss of Consciousness
Having your child pass out after a hit to the head is a definitive warning sign of a concussion. Although this symptom rarely happens, pay close attention if your child seems to lose consciousness even for a few seconds. You may find this symptom combined with memory loss right after the accident.
7. Mood and Sleep Changes
A concussion can also change your child’s behavior. You might notice increased irritability and nervousness after the accident. Your child may also look sad or act more emotional.
Your child’s sleep behavior may also change. This can include having trouble falling asleep or sleeping shorter or longer than usual.
Get Proper Treatment for Concussions in Athletes
Now that you can recognize the signs of concussions in athletes, you’re more prepared to seek help for one of the biggest football dangers.
If you ignore the concussion, you put your child at risk of long-term symptoms like headaches and fatigue as well as more serious health problems. There’s also a higher risk for more brain injuries as the brain heals as well.
While you’ll want to call 911 if your child is unconscious or shows serious symptoms, you can come visit one of our locations to get your child checked out if you suspect a concussion.