As schools begin a new year in New York, many students will be entering fall sports. One of the most popular is football. If you have a child playing football, you should become familiar with the typical injuries that could result from playing the sport. You have to look out for your child and be his or her advocate to ensure that a seemingly minor injury does not have lasting effects. This is especially true if your child sustains a concussion.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital explains that concussions should always be taken seriously even if they do not seem to be severe. You should always insist on medical care after the injury. With a head injury, you can never be sure the extent without proper medical care. However, it can be tough sometimes to know if your child is suffering from a concussion. Here are four types of signs to watch out for.
- Physical signs
Often physical signs are the most obvious for you to notice. Your child may complain about a headache or feeling tired. He or she may be sensitive to light and sound or feel dizzy. You may also notice balance issues or vomiting.
- Sleep signs
You may also notice these signs as they are a disruption in the normal sleep pattern. Your child may sleep more or less than usual. He or she may also complain about not being able to fall asleep.
- Cognitive signs
These are a little harder to recognize, but your child may say something that alerts you to them. A head injury can cause trouble with memory, focus and concentration. He or she may also feel mentally foggy or slow.
- Emotional signs
You may also notice these as out of ordinary behaviors in your child. These signs of a concussion include excessive emotions, sadness, irritability and nervousness.
If you see any signs of a concussion, you should get your child to a medical professional as soon as possible for treatment. A concussion can seem minor but lead to lasting effects if not treated properly.
