How do I know if my child has a concussion?

Concussion symptoms are not always so easy to spot in children since it’s not something you can see, like a scraped knee. As such, signs and symptoms may take some time to manifest and look different in every child.

Initially after any impact, hit, or injury, the brain cells become very “excited” and everything feels normal. What’s not so normal is the extreme drop in energy that can occur a few days later. This can result in any of the following symptoms:

Symptoms Your Child May Complain of Symptoms You May Notice in your Child
  • Headaches or “pressure” in the head
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Balance problems
  • Dizziness
  • Double, spotty or blurry vision
  • Bothered by light
  • Bothered by noise
  • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, groggy
  • Difficulty paying attention
  • Memory problems
  • Confusion
  • “Feeling off”

 

  • Appears dazed, confused, stunned
  • Forgetfulness
  • Clumsiness
  • Answers questions slowly
  • Loses consciousness
  • Changes in behavior and personality
  • Low energy
  • Can’t recall events prior to a hit or fall
  • Can’t recall events after a hit or fall

 

 

If your child experiences (or you notice) any one of these symptoms following an impact, then you should have a high suspicion of concussion.  A mulitmodal assessment is then warranted to ensure early intervention to minimize long term symptoms.

At what point should we consider getting assessed for a concussion?

If identified early enough, a multi-faceted treatment approach that begins within the first 7 to 10 days after injury can significantly improve outcomes and decrease long-term symptoms in children.  So call right away if you suspect a concussion.  This multi-faceted treatment approach seems to be the trick for success – combining cervical spine treatment, vestibular rehabilitation, psychological interventions, and controlled sub-symptom-threshold, submaximal exercises is the gold standard for evidence based concussion treatment.  Your Butterfly Paediatric Therapist will incorporate your child’s interests and activities into therapy to make therapy and return to learn, play and sport FUN!

If you suspect that your child has a concussion contact Butterfly Paediatric Therapy – a clinic with therapists who have advanced training in the management and rehabilitation of concussion.  Butterfly is partnered with Complete Concussion Management Inc (CCMI) to provide complete evidence-based concussion care.

www.butterflytherapy.com

info@butterflytherapy.com

(905) 206-0300

 

***Remember: It’s better to miss one game than the whole season!***