What are the post-head injury signs like dizziness and nausea?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a question regarding concussions, and I am hoping for your guidance. My nine-year-old son is determined to join the football team, but I am deeply concerned about the potential for traumatic brain injury. While I have heard about concussions, I am not entirely clear on what they entail and their severity. Could you provide an overview of what a concussion is and the symptoms I should monitor if my son decides to play football? I have come across symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion, but I am unsure about their prevalence and how to discern if he is truly injured. While I want to support my son's interests, I prioritize his safety. Do you have any suggestions on how to approach this situation and discuss the associated risks with him? Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

It is important to acknowledge that all sports carry a risk of various injuries. Regarding concussions (traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function), they typically occur when there is an impact on the head, necessitating close observation for 24 hours for signs like loss of consciousness, vomiting, and excessive sleepiness. If any of these symptoms develop after a head injury, a CT (computed tomography) scan may be necessary for further evaluation.

I hope these suggestions help.

Thank you.