DR. BETSY: Sports Related Concussions

Way back in the BC (before child) era, I used to know what season it was by checking the calendar and the weather, but these days I am more likely to remember the month based on which sports practice I am driving to with my son.

Sports are a great way for kids to stay active, develop teamwork skills, establish time management strategies and learn how to pick themselves up and move forward after making a mistake.

Somewhere in there is a chance to have fun, too, if the parents haven't sucked all that out of the experience.

Good coaches make safety a priority also, but despite everyone's best efforts, sports injuries do occur. Most injuries are mild, such as sprains and strains, but occasionally children can suffer a more serious injury such as a concussion.

A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury, usually caused by a bump or blow to the head.

When the brain is jolted hard enough, it bangs around inside the skull, potentially resulting in bruising, broken blood vessels and nerve injury.

While sports-related concussions are more frequent in collision sports such as football and hockey, concussions also occur in other sports such as soccer, basketball, wrestling, lacrosse and baseball. Contact with the ground during sports or falling off a bike or skateboard also can cause a concussion. Young athletes, whose brains still are growing and developing, are particularly susceptible to the effects of a concussion.

Signs and symptoms of a concussion include headache, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, balance problems, blurry vision, grogginess, dazed feeling, confusion, difficulty concentrating or paying attention, irritability and drowsiness. Many children experience loss of memory, particularly for the events around the time of the injury.

Any loss of consciousness after a head injury, even for a few seconds, should be taken seriously, but it is important to remember that your child still can have a concussion even if he did not get knocked out. Some signs are immediate, but other children will not experience or report symptoms until a few hours or days after the acute injury.

If you suspect your child had a concussion, take him out of the game and keep him out of play the day of the injury. Encourage your child not to ignore his symptoms or try to tough it out. Get him checked out by a doctor to determine if he needs any scans or tests and decide when he can safely return to normal activity.

A child who has had a concussion needs rest from physical and mental activity to allow his brain time to heal.

Symptomatic children should stay home from school or have a reduced workload.

Before your child gets the bright idea that a concussion sounds like a vacation, remind him that this also means limited or no TV, loud music, video games or computer time. Sports should be suspended until physical and mental symptoms have completely resolved, then activity should be resumed in a slow, stepwise manner.

Many children recover totally within just a few days to weeks, but every child is different, so talk to your doctor about timing your child's return to regular activity.

A repeat concussion that occurs while your child's brain still is healing and recovering can result in brain swelling or serious long-term problems such as difficulties with concentration and memory.

Multiple states, including Indiana, have enacted legislation designed to protect young athletes with a head injury or concussion from further damage.

Like any other sports injury, the brain needs time to heal, and it's OK if your child sits out a few games to get the rest he needs. No pain, no gain, should never apply to the brain.
