Let any parent tell you that children get hurt all the time. In many instances, the injuries they sustain are minor—bruises, bumps, or scrapes—and will heal in a short period on their own. However, some injuries are inherently more serious and can lead to long-term ramifications.
Common Causes of Concussions in Children
Concussions are a common occurrence in children and adolescents and often result from falls, sports accidents, or other incidents that cause a blow to the head. According to data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSP), the following sports and recreational activities result in the most number of head injuries treated in emergency rooms:
- Cycling
- Football
- Baseball/softball
- Powered recreational vehicles (ATVs, dune buggies, go-carts, mini bikes)
- Soccer
- Skateboards
- Exercise equipment
- Horseback riding
- Golf
- Hockey
- Trampolines
- Rugby/lacrosse
- Skating
- Playground equipment
Know the Signs
Concussions are considered a type of “minor” traumatic brain injury because they are typically not fatal. However, children who do not get proper care and adequate rest after sustaining one of these injuries can develop long-term symptoms and potential impairments.
Symptoms will vary from person to person but some of the most common concussion signs to look out for include:
- Headaches
- Mental fogginess
- Balance problems
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to noise
- Difficulty focusing
- Trouble remembering
- Trouble falling asleep
- Sleeping more than usual
- Nervousness
- More emotional than usual
If you believe that your child is showing signs of a concussion, it’s best to take them to see a doctor to get a proper medical diagnosis.
Protecting Your Family
At Fowler | Helsel | Vogt, our team of brain injury attorneys is committed to protecting what matters most to you. If your child has been injured in an accident and you are unsure of what to do next, we can advise you of your potential legal options and guide you through the claims process from start to finish.
Contact our Fresno brain injury attorneys at (559) 900-1280 to schedule your no-fee, no-obligation consultation!