The Station Scene: Concussion risks and tips in recreational activities

Community By Cristina Armand, Public Information Officer for the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department Friday, September 6, 2013

As the school year ramps up, it is just not back to the books, but for some kids, it’s also back to sports. Many children get injured from playing sports. The most dangerous injury your child can sustain while playing a sport is a traumatic brain injury.


According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost half a million emergency department visits are made annually for children between the ages of 0-14 for traumatic brain injuries. These rates are higher for males than for females.


A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury and results in a temporary loss of brain function. It is caused by a bump or a blow to the head. When a person gets a head injury, the brain can move around inside the skull and this can lead to bruising of the brain, tearing of blood vessels, and injury to the nerves. These type of injuries need time and rest to heal properly. Most concussions are mild and a person can fully recover from it.


It seems like over the last couple of years, we have heard about the rise in concussion rates in high school football players, but a child can get a concussion from any type of recreational activity. It can occur from a fall, car accident, bicycle accident, falling on roller skates, or fighting.


It is very important to know the signs and symptoms of a concussion. Be aware of the following if your child receives any type of bump or blow to the head:


• Appear to be stunned or dazed and feel dizzy or lightheaded.

• Have trouble remembering what happened right before or after the injury

• Feel nauseous or start to vomit.

• Get a headache or feel pressure in their head.

• Become sensitive to light or have blurred vision.

• Start to say things that do not make sense or their speech becomes slurred.

• Problems balancing or with coordination.

• Feel overly tired.

If you believe your child has a concussion, you should seek medical attention right away. Your doctor will be able to determine how serious the concussion is and will advise you of when your child is ready to resume normal activity, including sports.

While your child is healing, they should not play. If a child returns to normal activity before their doctor’s clearance and the brain is not fully healed, they risk the chance of having repeat concussions. A repeat concussion can be very serious and can cause permanent brain damage.

If the child plays sports, advise the coach and make them aware of any past concussions your child has had.

To protect your child and prevent a concussion, remember the following:

• Tell your child to follow the coach’s rules for safety.

• Teach your child to practice good sportsmanship at all times.

• Have them wear the proper protective equipment. It should be in good condition and fit properly.

• Wear a helmet. They cannot prevent a concussion, so teach your child to try to avoid hits to the head.

If children are aware and know how to protect themselves, then recreational activities can be a delight for them as well as parents.