Concussions are a kind of brain injury caused by some type of trauma. You may experience a concussion following a serious fall or blow to your head. Sometimes even mild bumps can cause serious damage.

One of the reasons that concussions are such an important topic for coaches, athletes and parents to be aware of is that you typically cannot see any visible signs of a concussion. Unlike sports injuries that cause dramatic bruising, blood or broken bones, the symptoms of a concussion might not even appear for days or even weeks following the trauma.

Concussions are a very common concern for children and teenagers, especially those who participate in athletic activities. The rate of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) has increased notably over the last 10 years. According to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) there has been a 60% increase in TBIs caused by sports and recreational activities among kids and teens.

Sports activities that are most commonly associated with Emergency Department visits for TBIs include soccer, basketball, football, biking, and playground related activity.

If your child or teenager experiences a bump to the head, be aware of some of the major signs of a concussion. Some symptoms your child might experience if they are experiencing a concussion include nausea, a confused feeling, blurred vision, light and/or sound sensitivity, unusual problems with concentration and dizzy sensation.

If you are a coach or parent and are concerned about concussion with a child or teenager, watch for mood changes, heightened forgetfulness, and delayed verbal responses. A person with a concussion often seems dazed or confused.

Concussions are a serious concern in many youth sports programs. As emphasized by sports medicine doctors, It is important to focus on prevention. It is particularly helpful for student athletes to wear the correct type of protective gear during athletic participation. Helmets during sports activities like bike riding, ice hockey, horse back riding and football practice, for example, are considered essential.

Of course it is important to note that while gear like helmets can help reduce the risk of a serious injury, they cannot completely prevent the risk of concussion. It is also very important to emphasize the correct rules and appropriate behavior during participation in athletics so players are less likely to suffer from blows to the head.

For more important information about concussions and how to prevent them from happening, check out this information from the Center for Disease Control.