What to Do for a Concussion in a Child after an Accident in Aurora

Children are active, and can often be found running around, riding bikes, rollerblading, and engaging in contact sports. However, as important as it is to exercise, accidents are a risk with which children live. Children may also be involved in slip and fall accidents, motor vehicle accidents, accidents at school, and more. Some children may suffer head injuries in an accident.

A concussion can be dangerous and scary, especially when suffered by a child. Know what to do for a concussion in a child. This means recognizing symptoms and seeking medical attention for the child.

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion

If your child receives any trauma to his or her head, the first thing you should do is look for signs and symptoms of a concussion. According to MedlinePlus, a concussion can result in the following.

• loss of consciousness immediately following the injury.
• memory problems.
• feeling tired or drowsy.
• dizziness.
• headache or vomiting.
• sensitivity to light or noise.
• irritability.
• change in mood.
• difficulty concentrating.
• and, slower reaction time.

If your child is displaying any of the symptoms above, he or she may have a concussion and should be assessed by a doctor. However, if your child won’t wake up, is experiencing seizures, is having trouble walking, is repeatedly vomiting, has slurred speech, has fluid draining from the ears or nose, or has unevenly dilated pupils, he or she requires emergency care immediately.

Medical Treatment for the Concussion

Seeking medical care is one of the most important things to do for a concussion in a child. An untreated or poorly-treated concussion can have devastating long-term effects.

Depending upon the severity of the concussion, medical treatment can range from observation after the injury to surgery in severe cases to alleviate pressure within the brain. The doctor may recommend a remain as inactive as possible (no contact sports, bike rides, etc.) during the recovery process following a concussion. This is to avoid further head trauma that might result.

Concussions, especially more than one, can have a lasting damage, including changes in mood, emotional problems, trouble learning new information, and more.

Helping Your Child Adjust to Life Post-Concussion

A concussion may not have long-lasting effects on the child’s life. In the days following a concussion though, your child might need some extra help. When your child returns to school, remember that he or she may need to take more breaks than normal, be given more time to complete assignments, and need extra assistance with homework. Tell your child’s teachers about the injury, and that she should be kept out of recess or other activities that might risk a head injury.

Other cognitive and physical activities, such as reading and problem solving, might take more time than usual for your child, resulting in frustration. A fact sheet about concussions published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Heads Up to Schools: Know Your Concussion ABCs, explains that not being able to return to physical activities right away or participate in sports with friends, and struggling with schoolwork, is often trying and emotional for children. Monitor his or her activities, explain what’s happening, and offer encouragement and support.

Seeking an Attorney if Another Party Caused the Child’s Concussion

In addition to knowing what to do for a concussion in a child, parents may explore legal options by talking to a lawyer. If your child suffered a concussion that resulted in serious injury, long-term health consequences, and costly medical bills, and someone else’s negligent actions caused it, you may file a claim for injury-related damages.

To speak with an attorney about your case today, call the Law Office of D.J. Banovitz. For a free consultation, call us today at 303-300-5060.