Concussions in Kids: 4 Common Causes

It can be very easy for a child to get a concussion. Any hit that happens to be hard to the body, neck, face, or head could potentially lead to a concussion. The most common cause of a concussion typically stems from some sort of impact to the head. 

Take a look at these 4 common causes of concussions in kids:

1. Sports Injuries

You might be surprised to find that sports injuries are actually not the leading cause of a concussion. However, they are still one of the top causes. In sports, it is far easier to identify when a concussion could occur because you typically see the incident that leads to a concussion. 

If your child is injured in sports or impacted in or near the head, you should seek immediate treatment for a concussion. Concussions can be serious if they are not identified or treated. 

Football tends to be one of the spots with the highest number of concussions. It is a high impact sport so this makes sense. However, concussions happen heavily in any sports, and boys and girls have similar concussion rates.

2. Falls

Falls are actually the leading cause of concussions. This can be any kind of fall but it often leads to a concussion because the head, neck, or face is hit on impact when someone falls. 

Children can fall up or down stairs, fall off of their bikes, fall from play equipment, and who knows what else. They are go getters and most children are fearless. If your child takes a fall and hits any area close to their heads, you should have them evaluated for a potential customer. 

3. Vehicle Accidents

Vehicle accidents are another common cause of concussions in kids. Obviously, most vehicle accidents are unavoidable. However, they often lead to an impact against the head. A child might hit their head on the window or even just against the seat or an airbag. 

When a vehicle accident occurs, be proactive and have your child checked out. 

4. Hit in the Head

Finally, another common cause of concussions in kids is being hit by someone or something in the head. Maybe they were in a fight or rough housing with friends. Maybe they were in wrestling and took a hit. 

If your child is struck in the head by an item or another individual, be sure to have them evaluated for a possible concussion. 

Concussion Symptoms

There are certain health symptoms that you never want to ignore or avoid. Your child may be suffering from a concussion simply because you don’t know about a fall or impact that they experienced. 

Here are some of the most common symptoms of concussions that you can be on the lookout for. 

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Slow response time
• Sleeping changes
• Difficulty remembering or focusing
• Eating changes
• Unusual moodiness or crying

Some symptoms are more severe and may require immediate treatment or care. Things like vomiting, slurred beach, troubles walking, passing out, or seizures are more severe symptoms and you should seek emergency care. 

Falls, sports injuries, vehicle accidents, and being struck tend to be the most common causes that children might experience a concussion. However, there could be other things that lead up to this as well. 

Keep in mind that if you know your child had some sort of impact, you should have them checked out to be on the safe side. If you suspect a concussion but you are not sure, you can also keep an eye out for potential symptoms. Remember if they experience emergent symptoms, you should seek care right away.