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All About Concussions

The term concussion conjures up the image of a child knocked unconscious while playing sports. But concussions - temporary loss of brain function - can happen with any head injury, often without any loss of consciousness. And many head injuries occur off the playing field, in car and bicycle accidents, in fights, and even routine calamities and falls.

Kids who sustain concussions usually can recover within a week, without lasting health problems, by following certain precautions and taking a breather from sports. But a child with an undiagnosed concussion can be at risk for brain damage and even disability.

The term concussion conjures up the image of a child knocked unconscious while playing sports. But concussions - temporary loss of brain function - can happen with any head injury, often without any loss of consciousness. And many head injuries occur off the playing field, in car and bicycle accidents, in fights, and even routine calamities and falls.

Kids who sustain concussions usually can recover within a week, without lasting health problems, by following certain precautions and taking a breather from sports. But a child with an undiagnosed concussion can be at risk for brain damage and even disability.

If your child does sustain a head injury, even without a loss of consciousness, it's important to watch for symptoms of a concussion, including:
• a change in mental state
• a bad headache
• confusion
• repeated vomiting
A child with these symptoms should be taken to the emergency room.
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