Sports heroes are to children what prolific poets and entrepreneurs may be to adults –inspiring mentors, or courageous risk-takers we idolize. Kids like to imagine themselves champions, busting through the barriers of feats they wouldn’t normally accomplish – showing their “super hero” side to friends and family.
Unfortunately, just like with NFL teams, young team players will sometimes ignore or brush aside their injuries in the name of winning the game. Injuries sustained in the rush of the moment may not be given proper attention from medical personnel, for various reasons; the kids are too busy playing or too embarrassed to really let someone know they are hurt more than was evident.
What is a concussion?
According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms can be very subtle and may not be easily noticed – and they might last for several days or even weeks. They can range from a mere headache or fatigue to slurred speech or temporary loss of consciousness. Following the injury your child may experience irritability, light or noise sensitivity, loss of concentration, memory lapses, and difficulty sleeping. Nonverbal cues might be loss of balance, eating habit shifts, lack of interest in normal hobbies.
When should you seek emergency medical attention?
If your child’s injury brings on vomiting, stumbling, disorientation, dilated or unequally sized pupils, recurring dizziness, discharge from the ears or nostrils, seizures, or even a headache that gets worse over time. Children who have experience a concussion, even a mild one, should not be allowed to return to play until cleared by a physician. Be smart, don’t succumb to their protests, be the adult and make certain they are completely safe.
What happens during a concussion?
The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that the brain has the same consistency as Jello, but it is protected from common jolts by the cerebrospinal fluid inside your skull in which it floats. When you experience a blow to your shoulders, neck or head, your brain may actually slide into the inner skull wall. This can also be caused in the violent snap of your head during a vehicle crash.
Bleeding in the brain can actually occur, which would cause confusion or sleepiness. It is vital your child is monitored several hours after an injury to see if symptoms appear or get worse.
Safety equipment and supervision are key elements in children’s sports!
High-risk games like football, soccer, or other contact sports such as hockey, greatly increase the chance of injury. It is essential, actually vital, that your child is properly outfitted with protection equipment before participating. No gear, no game, no exceptions should be the rule. Helmets and faceplates, mouth guards, shoulder pads, wrist and knee guards, should all fit properly. Swap outgrown items with other team players to save, but make certain everything fits snugly. Hydration is also important for clear thinking and physical stamina.
Of course, the bottom line is that kids are going to trip and fall, and sustain occasional minor bumps and bruises while playing most sports. It’s inevitable. However, major injuries are a different matter altogether; when you practice awareness, use protective wear, enforce game rules, and react appropriately when your child has been in a collision (with another child or a fixed barrier) – severe or lasting complications will be minimized.
This post was written for an entry into the “Safety First” promotion informing parents on the signs of brain injuries and steps to prevent them.