If you have a young athlete in the family, safety is probably a constant concern. This is particularly true when it comes to concussions, which can have serious consequences for kids. That’s why a large portion of sports medicine is devoted to understanding concussions and how they can be prevented. The following information is a great starting point for parents concerned about their child’s risk of concussion while playing sports.

What Is a Sports Concussion?

While concussions can result from many different situations, they’re quite common within certain sports, such as football, soccer, and hockey. They occur when the head receives a sudden blow, which causes the brain to move around inside the skull. This can result in a number of health effects, including injury to blood vessels and nerves, as well as contusions.

In terms of symptoms of a concussion, look for blurred vision or light sensitivity, nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, disorientation, problems concentrating, loss of memory, headaches, dizziness, as well as many other symptoms. Even if symptoms seem relatively mild, having your child assessed by sports medicine doctor is highly recommended.

How Can I Prevent a Sports-Related Concussion From Occurring?

Although injuries can still occur, wearing the right protective gear is a must when playing sports. In terms of head protection, helmets should have the right fit, meaning they’re not too tight or too loose. You should also replace your helmet after a few years or when it’s showing obvious signs of wear and tear. Additionally, helmets should be worn as necessary without fail, especially when it comes to high-contact sports like footballs.

There are also steps coaches and other adults must take to keep kids safe. Rules must be upheld no matter what. This means athletes should not use their heads to strike others, and any illegal moves or contact should be disciplined appropriately. Adults should also strive to create an inclusive and safety-minded atmosphere for the sport in question, which will keep young athletes safe while also allowing them to build character.

In Honolulu, parents trust in the service provided by the sports medicine specialists at IMUA Orthopedics Sports & Health. They believe that information is key to keeping kids safe on the field, which is why they strive to inform them about the risk of head injuries and the best tactic for preventing them. They also offer treatments suited to older athletes, including osteopathic manipulation and nutritional medicine to promote healing from the inside out. If you have questions about ensuring your young athlete remains healthy and strong, schedule an appointment by calling (808) 521-8170 today. You can also learn more about their sports medicine services by visiting them online.