Family health: Concussions can no longer be ignored: Revisiting symptoms, treatment

Back in the day, the thing to do after getting a bump in the head was to get right back in the game. The thinking was that if athletes werent knocked out or even if they were as soon as they could stand up again they were good to go.

That thinking was very wrong. Doctors now understand that even small bumps to the head can cause concussion. Concussion is a brain injury, and if its ignored it can cause lasting problems especially in children and adolescents.

Kids are more susceptible to the effects of concussion because their brains are still developing. In sports, concussions can happen from things like running into another player, falling, or hitting a gym wall or goal post.

Concussions also occur on the playground, in the classroom or even in your own backyard. Thats because anything that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth even if it doesnt strike an object can injure the brain. So a jolt that results in a whiplash-type movement can result in concussion.

Loss of consciousness is the most obvious sign of concussion. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, other signs and symptoms can show up right away or days later. Watch for:

Headache.

Confusion.

Trouble with memory or paying attention.

Dizziness or balance problems.

Feeling groggy or sluggish.

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Family health: Concussions can no longer be ignored: Revisiting symptoms, treatment