Brain Injury Awareness Month: Concussion Injuries in Children — Part I

The Brain Injury Association of America recognizes March as Brain Injury Awareness Month.

For this, Henson Fuerst presents a two-part series on how parents can care for concussion injuries in children. In this portion, we identify common symptoms—and how parents can care for their children. Click here for part two of the series where we identify recovery tools and offer advice for children going back to school after suffering a TBI.

About Concussions in Children

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Discharge Instructions for Childhood TBI defines a concussion as “a type of traumatic brain injury from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body.” They go on to specify a concussion will cause at least one of the following:

• The brain to move quickly or sharply back-and-forth within the skull
• The brain to bounce or twist in the skull from any sudden movement
• Chemical changes in the brain that may stretch or damage brain cells

Concussion Symptoms

While some symptoms of a concussion may appear right away, others could take hours or days to manifest after the initial injury. Physical and cognitive symptoms include:

• Problems with light or noise
• Problems with dizziness, vision, or balance
• Feeling tired or without energy
• Headaches, nausea, or vomiting
• Problems with attention or concentration
• Feeling slowed down, foggy, or groggy
• Problems with memory
• Problems with clear thinking

Helping Your Child Feel Better

Immediately after injury, symptoms are most severe. Limit your child’s physical and cognitive activities and see a doctor. Once your child begins to feel better and is cleared by a doctor, they can return to non-strenuous activities. Once symptoms are nearly gone, they can resume most regular activities. Ask your child’s doctor which prescription or over-the-counter medications can alleviate symptoms.

A Personal Connection

In recognition of his work with victims of traumatic brain injury, our own Thomas Henson has recently been reappointed to serve another term on the Board of Directors for the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina (BIANC). BIANC provides resources on prevention, support, education, and advocacy to benefit those recovering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

We Can Help

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident through no fault of your own, call the experienced North Carolina Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys at Henson Fuerst today at 919-781-1107 or complete a free initial consultation form.

When you call, you will speak with one of our experienced Raleigh Serious Injury Lawyers. They will investigate every detail of your situation at no cost to you—and fight hard to protect your rights. At Henson Fuerst, you will never pay an attorney’s fee up front—and you owe us nothing unless we recover for you.

Call Henson Fuerst, Because Your Case Matters