As a parent, you always worry about your children. However, you must let them play and do things with friends. With kids, accidents will happen; some are worse than others. Sometimes, it is more than a scraped knee you need to worry about. Head injuries are always a concern. Taking part in sports, the occasional injury or knock will happen, but sometimes, a concussion can occur. Any parent would worry when they find out. In fact, a concussion need not occur just from sports; non-sporting activities can also cause a concussion to occur. Let’s take a look at children and concussions and what all parents need to know about it.

1. What Is It?

A concussion is a brain injury. The brain is protected by the skull, but sometimes, as a result of a blow or some other trauma, the brain can actually strike the inside of the skull. This can cause a temporary, or sometimes a long-lasting disruption to normal function. The effects of a concussion may last a few days to a few months and sometimes, these effects are permanent. As a result, it will probably have a negative effect with school as well as a child’s social life and later on, their work life.

2. Common Causes

Children are very active and take part in sporting activities. Some of these sports can cause a concussion on occasion, for example, heading a soccer ball, getting checked when playing hockey, skiing or ice skating. In addition, falling off a bike can also cause it. It can also happen in school or in the park when they fall off playground equipment. In addition, a concussion can also happen if the child is involved in a car accident. To be honest, there are just way too many instances that a concussion can occur. Even walking to school and slipping on ice can potentially cause a concussion.

3. Symptoms To Look Out For

If you know that your child suffered an injury to the head, the best thing to do is take him or her to the doctor as soon as possible for an evaluation. There are several symptoms or complaints that are associated with a concussion and these include:

• Coordination problems
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Blurred or double vision
• Feeling sleepy

4. Accurate Diagnosis

Because an X-ray cannot be used to diagnose a concussion, the doctor has to examine the patient and rely on specific questions and the answers given, to make a diagnosis. Remember, a child does not have to become unconscious to suffer from a concussion. In fact, a concussion can even occur without a blow to the head. If the body is shaken hard enough, causing the head to go back and forth, a concussion can occur.

Concussions can be pretty tricky because sometimes, the signs may be overlooked because they may be very subtle. Things can develop only afterwards. Unless it is a terrible freak accident, in general, your child will most likely be fine and recover completely, assuming you have taken him or her to the doctor. In the event any compensation is thought to be required, then it is best to also seek the help of a good accident lawyer. Not only can they help advise you, especially when the injury was caused by negligence, but they can help you get the compensation you deserve.