A concussion is the most common and least serious type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs due to a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. This kind of impact can give you a brain rush inside your head. Since it is made of soft tissue, a concussion can bruise the brain, damage its blood vessels, and cause injury to its nerves.
A concussion also leads to chemical and metabolic changes to the brain, making it more difficult to function and communicate. Since the brain controls the body, the effects of a concussion can be severe if left untreated.
Seek urgent care for children if your kid has suffered from a concussion.
What Are the Symptoms of a Concussion?
If your child suffered a severe blow to the head, chances are, they might be experiencing a concussion. If so, watch out for these symptoms:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Difficulty to concentrate
- Ringing in the ears
- Slurred speech
- Memory lapses
- Slowness to respond to questions
Specific symptoms last for hours, while others can last longer, often for weeks or months. It is also possible for some symptoms to manifest hours or days after the injury occurred. Many mild concussions can be left undiagnosed and can heal on their own. However, it is still highly advisable for you to seek urgent care.
When Does One Seek Urgent Care?
Concussions are rarely life-threatening. But it is still vital to seek urgent care if you experience any dangerous symptoms, such as:
- Dizziness
- Headache that does not go away
- Seizures
- Dilated pupils
- Slurred speech
- Repeated vomiting
- Restlessness or agitation
Suppose your child who is suffering from a concussion is an athlete or leads an active lifestyle. In that case, it is not recommended for them to resume their physical activities until they have been evaluated and cleared by a doctor. A history of multiple concussions can cause long-term damage, leading to hospitalization and problems with memory, retention of information, coordination, balance, and more.
How Are Concussions Treated?
Your child needs to cut back from activities that use a lot of concentration. After suffering from a concussion, they need to rest for one to two days. They should get plenty of sleep and avoid doing strenuous activities.
Depending on its severity, you can slowly introduce their usual activities to the few days or weeks after the concussion. However, they should still avoid any sports or physical activities until receiving clearance from their doctor.
Is Prevention Better than Cure?
If your kid is active and plays sports that can cause a concussion, make sure that they follow the proper preventative measures to avoid suffering a concussion. Let them wear helmets if they are biking or doing strenuous sports.
Also, they should limit doing physical activities that involve the head, such as hitting the soccer ball with their head. They should also exercise caution when playing outdoors, especially if what they are doing can cause an accident.
Final Thoughts
Concussions can be very dangerous, especially in the long run. However, it’s possible to prevent them and even treat them if caught on time.
Do you suspect that your child has a concussion? Then perhaps it’s time to seek urgent care. Your Kids Urgent Care offers urgent care in New Providence. We have a wide range of services to help you make the most of your time with us. Visit us to receive proper urgent care.
