Concussions
[kuh n-kuhsh-uh n]
Don’t get in over your head and ignore a concussion. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. TBIs can also happen when a fall or blow to the body makes the head and brain move quickly back and forth. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or a mild bump on the head can be serious. While most people with a concussion feel better within a couple of weeks, some will have symptoms that last for months or even longer. People with a concussion need to be seen by a medical professional. Getting help soon after the injury can help speed your recovery.
Quiz
Key Facts & Prevention Tips
- Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs when young children are around.
- Athletes with a possible concussion should be immediately removed from play. They should not return to play the same day of the injury, and until cleared by an appropriate medical professional.
- Be sure the surface under your child’s playground is made of soft material, such as mulch or sand.
Media
Contact sports contributed to almost half (45%) of all emergency department visits for a sports- or recreation-related TBI in 2016.
As many as 2.5 million high school students reported at least one concussion in the preceding 12 months while playing a sport or being physically active.
Any student could take a spill, knock his/her head, and get a concussion in any number of school settings ranging from the hallway, the playground, the cafeteria, and beyond. Know your concussion ABC's; Assess the situation, Be alert for signs and symptoms, Contact a health care professional.
Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs when young children are around.
Be sure the surface on your child's playground is made of shock-absorbing material, such as hardwood mulch or sand.
Make sure your child's school and/or sports league has a concussion action plan.