Heads up NEWS on Concussions

Concussions and Your Child

I recently sat in a school meeting listening to one of our High School athletic trainers share with us the latest information on our children and concussions. You would think that with 5 kids and all these years on the MOMhood journey I would have this down. What I did not know was they have new findings and information that this mom was unaware of so knowing that - I thought every Mommy should know the latest info on Concussion and our Children so that we can be equipped should one of our sweet children incur a possible concussion.

It's estimated that more than a half million kids in the U.S. go to the hospital each year with a concussion. That's an average of a kid per minute- every minute of every day

The term concussion conjures up the image of a child knocked unconscious while playing sports. But concussions — temporary loss of brain function — can happen with any head injury, often without any loss of consciousness. And many head injuries occur off the playing field, in car and bicycle accidents, in fights, and even routine calamities and falls


What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a disturbance in brain function that occurs following either a blow to the head or as a result of the violent shaking of the head
In the United States, the annual incidence of sports-related concussion is estimated at 300,000. Estimates regarding the likelihood of an athlete in a contact sport experiencing a concussion may be as high as 19% per season. Although the majority of athletes who experience a concussion are likely to recover, an as yet unknown number of these individuals may experience chronic cognitive and neuro behavioral difficulties related to recurrent injury.

Common Signs and Symptoms:

Signs observed
-Appears to be dazed or stunned
-Is confused about assignment
-Forgets plays
-Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
-Moves clumsily
-Answers questions slowly
-Loses consciousness (even temporarily)
-Shows behavior or personality change
-Forgets events prior to hit (retrograde amnesia)
-Forgets events after hit (anterograde amnesia).

Signs reported by athlete
-Headache
-Nausea
-Balance problems or dizziness
-Double or fuzzy vision
-Sensitivity to light or noise
-Feeling sluggish
-Feeling "foggy"
-Change in sleep pattern
-Concentration or memory problems

Consulting w/ a Doctor:

Recovery
Athletes that are not fully recovered from an initial concussion are significantly vulnerable for recurrent, cumulative, and even catastrophic consequences of a second concussive injury. Such difficulties are prevented if the athlete is allowed time to recover from concussion and return to play decisions are carefully made. No athlete should return to sport or other at-risk participation when symptoms of concussion are present and recovery is ongoing. In summary, the best way to prevent difficulties with concussion is to manage the injury properly when it does occur.

NEW Laws to protect children in Washington state:

A Washington state bill, soon to become law, will add a new rule to kids' organized sports.

A child won't be able to return to play after a concussion until a health care provider gives the OK.