‘Mom, my head hurts…’

‘IF a person suffers a head injury or a suspected concussion during a sporting match, they should stop playing immediately.’

This according to Dr Bianca Visser of Netcare Hospitals, who says that head injuries are one of the most common traumas attended to within hospital emergency departments.

And while a concussion is considered the least serious type of head injury, it can cause serious long-term complications, with symptoms ranging from none at all, to severe disability.

She emphasises that although an initial concussion does not usually cause permanent damage, repeated injuries can result in long term neurological problems.

‘A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury which is caused by a blow to the head or by a fall, that ‘shakes’ the brain inside the skull which results in short term disturbances in brain function, ’ she cautions.

When to get help

Dr Visser says not everyone who sustains a concussion will lose consciousness.

‘Some people will have obvious symptoms such as passing out, or forgetting what happened before the injury, but others will not.

‘Symptoms of a concussion range from mild to severe and can last for hours, days, weeks, or even months, so rather seek medical attention if you are in any doubt as to the seriousness of the injury.’

She explains that young children can have the same symptoms of a concussion as older children and adults.

‘But it can be hard to tell if a small child has a concussion, particularly as they may have difficulty expressing what is troubling them.

‘Parents should watch for any changes in behaviour such as more crying and distress than usual, feelings of sadness, lack of interest in activities and favourite toys, loss of newly acquired skills (eg toilet training), trouble with attention, loss of appetite and/or loss of balance.’

The ‘watch’ list

• A headache that gets worse or does not go away

• Weakness, numbness, dizziness, or decreased coordination

• Balance problems

• Repeated vomiting or nausea

• Slurred speech

• Feeling tired or having no energy

• Extreme drowsiness or deep sleep

• Sleeping less than usual or trouble fallin asleep

• One pupil larger than the other

• Convulsions or seizures

• A problem recognising people or places

• Increasing confusion, restlessness, or agitation

• Loss of consciousness

• Inability to think clearly and feeling sluggish

• Inability to concentrate

• Fuzzy or blurry vision

• Sensitivity to light or noise

• More emotional and moody (i.e. feelings of sadness, anxiety or nervousness).

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