Long Term Effects of Soccer Concussions
You might think that once your child seems to be recovered from their concussion, that they are completely cured. Unfortunately, brain injuries can be very tricky.
You think that your child is completely healed and then they start to display symptoms of trauma once again. There are actually a number of lingering problems that can occur after a head injury in children.
These can happen months and even years down the road and should be watched out for closely. These post concussion issues can be scary for a parent and you should make sure to take your child to see the doctor if any of these come up.
SEE MORE: Why Children Get Concussions Playing Soccer
Post Concussion Syndrome
Post concussion syndrome is one of the most common after-effects of a concussion, especially in children. This is a very complex disorder in which various combinations of concussion symptoms, such as extreme dizziness or headaches, will occur and last for months after the soccer injury that brought on the head injury.
Most people of all ages will deal with some level of post concussion syndrome, but this is usually within the first week or so after the soccer injury and will go away within a few months. For some people, however, the concussion symptoms are just as strong as they were right after the injury and will last for far more than just a few months.
Sometimes, children and adults can deal with post concussion syndrome symptoms for years after the original trauma. This is why doctors have developed treatments that are effective at dealing with post concussion issues that last for far too long.
You’ll want to closely observe your child for months after their soccer injury has occurred and ask them about any symptoms that they may be experiencing. Keep a concussion journal so you will be able to consult this to note your child’s progress. If your child has any of the following symptoms at the same level of severity two months or more after the injury, post concussion treatment may be needed. These symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Mild to severe headaches
- Extreme fatigue that does not go away after a few nights of quality sleep
- Excessive irritability
- Inability to sleep (insomnia)
- Anxiety
- Inability to concentrate or to remember things
- Sensitivity to noise and light
It is not uncommon for someone who has suffered from a concussion to have headaches for months after their injury, but more serious headaches that are similar to migraines can be a clear sign that your child has post concussion syndrome.
Another sign that your child needs medical treatment months after the initial concussion injury is that their behavior has begun to change. They may exhibit emotional problems that they did not have before, such as lashing out at their family members or exhibiting depression or anxiety. You may also notice that your child has become much more stubborn or argumentative and this is a clear sign that he is still dealing with the after effects of the concussion.
