For some, the word concussion evokes serious concern. Others hear the word and think “bump on the head.” Regardless of what you think you know about concussions, be aware that whether the head injury is mild or severe, it’s important to pay attention to the injured person because symptoms often worsen over time. In fact, it’s not unusual for someone to say they feel fine and then begin to suffer severe headaches, dizziness or even memory loss days or weeks after the accident.

Traumatic brain injury doesn’t play favorites when it comes to age. Some of the most famous football players of our time have admitted they are permanently impaired due to repeatedly sustaining concussions. The term concussion refers to an injury that shakes the brain inside the skull. Therefore, all human beings are at risk of concussion.

Pay attention and get the injured person to the hospital or seek other medical care as soon as possible if you see any of the following symptoms:

• The person can’t seem to stay awake
• Fainting (Any loss of consciousness should be taken seriously)
• They can’t remember who people are or instructions/information that they know well
• Complaints of nausea or dizziness
• One pupil is larger than the other (the pupil is the darkest part in the center of the eye)
• Severe headaches that linger, get worse and never seem to pass
• Any weakness or numbness in any body part
• Confusion, anxiety or agitation
• A lack of coordination or movements that appear clumsy
• Slurred speech
• Seizures
• Look for unusual behavior. If they are acting like something is wrong, it quite possibly is wrong. Get them medical help to rule out or diagnose anything serious.

If your child is the person with the concussion, they may say they feel fine and want to return to the playground or ball field. That’s not a great idea. Wait until the doctor has cleared them to “get back in the game.” Quiet play time is necessary to allow the concussion to heal properly. Failure to heed these warnings could turn a mild concussion into a permanent brain injury.

Buy your child protective gear, including a helmet, and make it a rule that helmets must be worn during potentially dangerous play (bike riding, skateboarding, etc.) and during ball sports. Lastly, and by no means least, when your child is ready to return to school after sustaining a head injury, alert the teachers and nurse about the concussion. They will know to look for any symptoms that don’t seem right and can keep a watchful eye during recess and gym.

If your child has sustained a concussion, it’s important that you do everything possible to give them the time and environment to heal properly. This may involve costly rehab and medications. If you believe your child’s accident was caused by another person’s negligence, please contact the LaDuca Law Firm as soon as possible for a consultation about your potential personal injury lawsuit.