It’s the fourth quarter of the Homecoming game and your son has done an excellent job as the starting quarterback. But as you watch him wind up for the game-winning throw he’s suddenly tackled to the ground. Seconds pass and your heart sinks when he doesn’t get up. A medical team rushes on to the field and helps him sit up. But is he really ok?
Concussions are one of the most common sports-related injuries in youth. In fact, every three minutes a child in the U.S. is treated for a sports-related concussion according to the National Safety Council. But how do you know when it’s really a concussion and when it’s just a bad knock on the head?
Knowing the warning signs for a concussion is important for all adults who work with youth athletes, including parents and coaches. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that is extremely serious and always required medical attention but is generally treatable if discovered early. In California, coaches are required to take training on concussions. But this knowledge is also vital for parents who often observe their children play and can help advocate for their best interests.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the warning signs for a concussion include one or more the following:
- Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
- Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event
- Dizziness or “seeing stars”
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea and/or Vomiting
- Delayed response to questions
- Appearing dazed or slurred speech
- Fatigue
The fact that the above warning signs are not immediately present does not necessarily mean that the head injury is not a concussion. Some side effects of a concussion that may not appear until days or weeks after the accident include sensitivity to noise and lights, sleep disturbances, irritability, and memory or concentration complaints.
Most teens and children who suffer from concussions improve within a couple of weeks with enough rest to allow the brain to heal. However, for some, the symptoms can lasts longer and cause longer-term problems that affect the way the child acts, thinks and feels.
Cases involving concussions and other traumatic brain injuries are extremely complex and these types of injuries can have life-changing effects on a young person. This is why it is so important to find an attorney with experience litigating brain injury cases. The attorneys at Alexander Law Group are highly experienced in brain injury litigation and obtain excellent results. Call 888.777.1776 now for a free case evaluation.
