When a child suffers a concussion, their brain health is at risk. That is why it is important to get appropriate treatment, right away.
Here are some tips about concussion from the experts at Emerson Hospital’s Dr. Robert C. Cantu Concussion Center, a leader in concussion care in New England:
Advice for parents and coaches
As a parent or coach, you play an important role in identifying children or players with signs of head trauma. The sooner a child sees a doctor or concussion-trained provider and receives proper treatment, the better the outcome.
If you suspect a child has suffered a concussive brain injury:
- Test their short-term memory by asking questions about recent events
- Test their orientation by asking them to repeat numbers or unrelated words at various intervals
- Ask how the child is feeling—are they experiencing symptoms of a concussion?
- If symptoms or cognitive difficulties persist, find a provider with expertise in concussions and make an appointment for as soon as possible
- If symptoms worsen, especially headache, nausea and vomiting, or level of alertness, seek immediate medical attention
For coaches, if there is any concern that a player has sustained a concussion, the player should be pulled from the game and evaluated right away. It bears repeating: The most important thing to do if someone is suffering from the symptoms of a concussion is to seek medical treatment.
The importance of baseline concussion testing for student athletes
At the Dr. Robert C. Cantu Concussion Center, we recommend that student athletes obtain baseline testing before the start of their season.
Learn more about this
important test that provides a snapshot of healthy brain function for comparison should an injury occur.
