The Centers for Disease Control’s website, Heads Up, focuses on keeping kids and teens safe and healthy, particularly from head injuries and concussion. The site helps parents, teachers, coaches, etc., recognize, respond to and even minimize the risk of serious head injury, including concussion.
There are times when despite all precautions, a child or teen will suffer a concussion, which the CDC describes as a collection of blood (hematoma) that may form on the brain after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body. If this happens, the CDC advises that you call 9-1-1 right away, or take your child or teen to the emergency department if he or she exhibits one or more particular danger signs after suffering a bump, blow or jolt to their head or body.
Dangerous Signs & Symptoms of a Concussion
- One pupil larger than the other.
- Drowsiness or inability to wake up.
- A headache that gets worse and does not go away.
- Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination.
- Repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures (shaking or twitching).
- Unusual behavior, increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation.
- Loss of consciousness (passed out/knocked out). Even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously.
For more information, check out the Heads Up site at: https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/index.html