Kids often play rough, but parents and coaches need to be aware if a hard knock to a young athlete's head results in a concussion.

Kids often play rough, but parents and coaches need to be aware if a hard knock to a young athlete’s head results in a concussion.

Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., describes a concussion as “a mild injury to the brain that changes how the brain normally works.” The Children’s Mercy website says concussions are typically caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the head.

And while many children bump or hit their heads without causing a concussion, parents should be aware of signs and symptoms if a child is “dinged.” A person does not need to be knocked out or lose consciousness to have had a concussion; less than 10 percent of concussions result in loss of consciousness.

Here is a list of symptoms and grades of concussions, as well some tips to reduce the effects.

Here are some common symptoms of concussions:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Ringing in ears
• Blurred vision
• Nausea

When a child returns to playing too early, he or she risks experiencing second-impact syndrome, which happens when a player sustains a second head injury before the first is healed. Symptoms can include:

• Brain swelling
• Vascular engorgement
• Increased intra-cranial pressure, which can be fatal

How hard was the hit? There are ways to measure the severity of a concussion. Health care providers often grade concussions on a graded scale called Cantu Guidelines.

Grade 1

No loss of consciousness; post traumatic amnesia for less than 30 minutes

• First occurrence: May return to play if asymptomatic
• Second occurrence: May return in two weeks if asymptomatic at that time for one week
• Third occurrence: End the season, may return next year if asymptomatic

Grade 2

Loss of consciousness for less than 5 minutes or post traumatic amnesia more than 30 minutes

• First occurrence: Return after asymptomatic for one week
• Second occurrence: Wait at least one month; may return if then asymptomatic for one week
• Third occurrence: End the season; may return next year if asymptomatic

Grade 3

Loss of consciousness for more than 5 minutes or post traumatic amnesia for more than 24 hours

• First occurrence: Wait at least 1 month; may return then if asymptomatic for 1 week
• Second occurrence: End the season

White-Hamilton said physical therapists can evaluate and treat some problems related to concussion.

Dizziness and balance

If you have dizziness or difficulty with your balance following a concussion, vestibular physical therapy may help. The vestibular system, which includes the inner ear and its connections with the brain, is responsible for sensing head movement, keeping your eyes focused when you move your head, and helping you keep your balance. A qualified vestibular physical therapist can provide specific exercises and training to reduce or stop dizziness and improve balance and stability.

Headaches

A physical therapist will examine you for neck problems following a concussion. Neck injuries can cause headaches and contribute to some forms of dizziness. A therapist also can assess a patient’s back for possible injuries to the spine.

As symptoms due to concussion improve, a physical therapist will help you resume physical activity gradually, to avoid overloading the brain and nervous system that have been compromised by concussion.

For more information

Join TherapyWorks for a presentation about children’s health at noon on July 22 at TherapyWorks, 1311 Wakarusa Drive, to hear about sports injuries, concussions and other health concerns for kids with Dr. Chris Koster of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. Call 749-1300 or visit www.therapyworkskansas.com for more information.