7 Tips on How To Prevent Concussions In Children

7 Tips on How To Prevent Concussions In Children

Jan 01, 2023

An Overview Of Concussion In Children?

A concussion, a traumatic brain injury, can occur when there’s an abrupt change in acceleration or deceleration of the head. This change can happen during sports like football, soccer, and hockey.

Symptoms of concussions vary and may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, slurred speech or difficulty understanding speech, confusion, memory loss or forgetfulness, nausea or vomiting, light sensitivity, blurred vision, double vision, or drooping eyelids.

Repeated concussions can lead to severe brain damage that might not show up for months or years. Getting concussion management in Calgary is crucial to prevent complications.

Tips On How To Prevent Concussions In Children

There are several ways you can prevent concussions in kids, and they include:

  • Wear a helmet when playing contact sports

When it comes to preventing concussions in children, no piece of protective equipment is more important than your kid’s helmet. Ensure the helmet fits properly and is appropriate for the sport being played. It should be in good condition and have all the necessary straps attached. It should also not be too loose or too tight, as this could result in an unsafe fit that could lead to a concussion or other injuries if they were hit by the ball while wearing it incorrectly.

  • Limit your child’s time playing contact sports

Contact sports can be an excellent way for kids to play and socialize with their friends but they can also lead to concussions. Limiting the time they spend playing these sports is crucial. Furthermore, ensure that you follow all safety precautions and that your child is wearing the proper protective gear (such as a helmet) when they participate in any physical activity regularly.

  • Don’t let young kids play tackle football or other rough sports.

Make sure you don’t play football before the age of 14. The same goes for other rough sports like ice hockey and lacrosse.

It’s also important to note that children can suffer from concussions in non-contact ways, for example: falling off furniture or getting hit by an errant ball (which could happen at any time). It is vital for parents not only to monitor their kids’ activities but also to make sure there are adequate safeguards in place before letting them go outside without adult supervision.

  • If they do sustain a head injury, be sure they fully recover.

A doctor will tell you when it is suitable for them to resume physical activity. Children need at least four weeks of rest after sustaining a concussion before returning to sports or other activities requiring full attention and focus.

  • Make sure children stay hydrated during physical activity.

Drinking plenty of water is vital because the brain needs it to function correctly. If a child is dehydrated, they may be more predisposed to a concussion due to their inability to process information well enough when under extreme exertion (such as running).

However, ensure that they do not take caffeinated or sugary drinks because they can lead directly to dehydration and don’t provide any nutrients for the body.

  • Get children checked out by a doctor if they sustain a head injury.

Once you have a child who has sustained a head injury, it is crucial to visit a concussion clinic in Calgary to get checked out by a doctor. Do not let them continue playing or exercising until they are fully recovered and show no signs of a concussion.

Call your pediatrician immediately if you notice any changes in behavior after sustaining a head injury, such as sleeping more than usual or being irritable.

  • Tell children to report any concussion symptoms immediately, no matter how minor they think it is

It’s important to note that concussion symptoms can be subtle, so it’s easy for a child with a mild concussion to think they are fine. If you notice any changes in your child’s behavior or mood, seek concussion treatment near you right away.

Schedule an Appointment

Concussions can take time to heal after suffering damage from head injuries or other traumatic events are essential. This means that even if you seem fine today, there may be signs of concussion symptoms if you don’t get treatment immediately.

Visit Premier Eye Care for support if you notice concussion symptoms or your child gets a head injury.

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