As a parent, you know that kids can get hurt playing sports. You’re probably familiar with common injuries like strains, sprains and broken bones. But there’s one injury you might not think about as much: concussions. A concussion is a type of brain injury that can be very serious.
“Concussions are particularly concerning for children because their brains are still developing,” said Evan Werk, MD, an orthopedic sports medicine specialist with Banner – University Medicine. “A developing brain means it is still forming neural connections which can make them more susceptible to injury of these pathways.”
Concussions happen in all types of sports, and it’s important to understand the risks and how to keep your child safe. Read on to learn more about concussions, what you should do if your child gets one and ways you can help prevent them altogether.
What is a concussion? Why are they especially dangerous for kids?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that happens when the brain is shaken or jolted inside the skull. This movement can cause temporary damage to brain cells and how the brain works. If not recognized and treated appropriately, concussions can cause more long-term problems, especially in children whose brains are still developing.
“Damage during critical stages of development affects recovery time, with research showing that a child’s recovery time can be longer than an adult,” Dr. Werk said. “As a student, it can affect a child’s ability to learn. They may have trouble concentrating in school, affecting memory, attention, academic progress and social development.”
In some cases, repeated head injuries may be connected to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition linked to memory loss, mood swings and even early dementia. Though CTE has been identified more often in athletes who have played professional sports, the risk of long-term problems may increase with repetitive head trauma.
Which sports have the highest risk for concussions?
While a child can suffer a head injury in any sport, some sports carry a higher risk of concussions, especially contact sports.
“Sports like football, soccer and hockey often see higher rates in younger athletes due to their contact level, but martial arts and cheerleading also have a high risk,” Dr. Werk said.
In addition to athletics, Dr. Werk added that concussions can occur outside of sports, like in motor vehicle accidents or recreational activities like skateboarding or biking.
Over the last several years, many sports organizations have introduced new rules and safety protocols to reduce concussion risks. These changes include better equipment, improved rule enforcement and concussion management plans. However, early recognition of symptoms and proper care remain critical to preventing long-term effects on kids.
What are the most common signs of a concussion?
Concussions can be tricky to spot, especially in kids.
“Children may have difficulty expressing their symptoms, unlike adults who can usually describe their feelings a bit better,” Dr. Werk said. “This makes it harder for parents and coaches to detect concussions right away.”
Here are the most common symptoms of a concussion to look out for:
Physical symptoms:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Low energy or fatigue
- Blurry vision or double vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Loss of consciousness (pass out)
- Clumsiness or trouble with coordination
Emotional symptoms:
- Irritability or mood swings
- Anxiety, depression or feeling more emotional than usual
- Unusual outbursts or frustration
Cognitive symptoms:
- Trouble concentrating or paying attention
- Memory problems
- Feeling confused or “foggy”
- Slow thinking or responses
- Sleep problems (feeling tired all the time or having trouble sleeping)
“When it comes to children, pay extra attention to changes like crying more than usual, not wanting to do activities they normally enjoy or having trouble balancing or moving,” Dr. Werk said.
If any of these signs appear, have your child checked out by a health care provider.
What should I do if my child has a concussion?
If you think your child has a concussion, the first thing to do is remove them from the game or activity right away. Don’t let them keep playing.
If your child has any of these red-flag symptoms, get them to the emergency department immediately:
- Loss of consciousness (even if it’s just a short time)
- Worsening headache or severe headache
- Repeated vomiting
- Seizure
- Slurred speech
- Weakness or trouble moving parts of the body
- Unequal pupils (one pupil is bigger than the other)
- Increased confusion or drowsiness
- Clear fluid or blood coming from their nose or ears
Even if your child’s symptoms seem mild, it’s important to have them checked out by a health care provider who understands concussion management.
“Concussion specialists can help manage the recovery process and offer advice on rest and when it’s safe to return to sports,” Dr. Werk said. “They may also refer your child to specialists for therapy, such as vestibular therapy for dizziness or occupational therapy for vision problems and even provide academic- and sports-related accommodations.”
When is it safe for my child to return to sports?
After a concussion, your child should not return to sports until they are fully healed. Going back too soon can be very dangerous. If your child gets another concussion before the first one heals, it can cause serious problems like second impact syndrome (SIS).
SIS is a rare but life-threatening condition that occurs when a person suffers a second concussion before fully recovering from the initial one. The second injury, even if minor, can cause the brain to swell rapidly and uncontrollably, leading to serious damage.
“The second injury can trigger massive brain swelling (cerebral edema), which can occur within minutes,” Dr. Werk said. “With increased pressure in the skull, swelling can cause intracranial pressure to rise dangerously, cutting off blood and oxygen supply to brain tissue, potentially leading to brain herniation and potentially death.”
The symptoms of SIS can appear suddenly and get worse quickly, so it’s important to get medical help immediately if you think your child has had another concussion.
It’s important to follow a step-by-step concussion recovery plan, with the approval of a health care provider, to make sure your child can safely return to physical activities.
When returning to play, a concussion specialist can communicate with sideline athletic trainers, coaches and referees to support a safe return.
How can you protect your child?
The best way to protect your child from a concussion is to take preventive steps and stay alert during practices and games. Here are a few tips:
- Use proper equipment: Use appropriate, well-fitting helmets and other safety gear for the sport they are playing.
- Encourage safe play: Teach your child the importance of safe play and following the rules so they avoid risky behaviors.
- Monitor for symptoms: Keep an eye out for concussion symptoms.
- Educate coaches and staff: Coaches should be trained to recognize concussion symptoms and follow a strict return to play protocol.
- Make sure recovery happens: If your child has had a concussion, they should not return to sports until they are completely symptom-free and have been cleared by their provider.
Read on to learn more ways to prevent head and brain injuries in children and adults.
Conclusion
Concussions are a serious risk in youth sports, but with proper precautions and knowledge you can help protect your child from harm.
Remember, safety comes first. No game is worth risking your child’s long-term health. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution. If your child has had a concussion, wait until they have recovered fully.
If you have questions about concussions or how to handle one, speak with your child’s health care provider or a Banner Health specialist.
