Sports Related Concussions - Helpful Information for Parents and Coaches

The number of children playing sports who have suffered from concussions has doubled in the last decade. It is thought that the reason for this may be that children are bigger than they once were and sports, even for young people, has become more competitive. As a result, it is even more important for parents and coaches to be aware of what to look for to avoid future problems.

Concussions in young children can create serious health risks from temporary memory lapses to brain swelling. It is especially a concern because concussions in children may not be recognized or noticeable immediately following an injury.

A second concussion before complete healing of the first has taken place can cause a condition known as second impact syndrome. The results of this are children run a risk of developing post-concussion syndrome.

Even a mild bump can cause a concussion in a young child. A child (or anyone for that matter) can suffer a concussion without losing consciousness and, in fact, fewer than ten percent do. And unfortunately, concussions can not be identified on Xrays or CT scans. They can be the result of not only a knock to the head but the sudden jarring to any part of the body which causes the brain to move suddenly within the skull. Also, it's important for all those involved to remember that the effects of multiple concussions can be cumulative.

The symptoms of a concussion are:

- A headache or feeling of pressure in the head; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; blurred vision; sensitivity to light or noise; a feeling of being dazed; irritability; memory or attention problems; confusion; ringing in the ears; slurred speech or mood changes.

- With younger children, the signs may be stomach pain or a feeling of being upset.

If any of these signs are evident, it is important to immediately seek medical attention. These symptoms can last for seven to ten days and possibly even longer depending on the severity of the hit, if there has been a previous concussion and if there was, if it was very long ago.

Rest is the most important treatment for a concussion. Rest means no physical activity and no mental exertion which includes no school, no computer games and even no television. Children should not attempt to return to play sports until they have been given the go ahead by their doctor.

The Canadian Paediatric Society published a statement on sports related concussions in children making recommendations based on current data and expert opinion, with guidelines on concussion management. They believe that it should be based on each athlete's symptoms and recovery and that a graduated return to play should be followed. They recommend also that doctors be encouraged to be conservative when managing children and adolescents with sports related concussions.

There is more awareness now that a bump on the head may not just be a bump on the head, but a concussion. And more people now are aware that a concussion is in actual fact, a brain injury. So as parents and coaches, knowing this, means that we must be even more diligent with our children when they are playing sports.