Snowy Fun!

By klillis, Feb 6, 2015, 5:00PM

Tis the season for sledding, snowboarding, skiing, tubing, hockey, and all out snowy fun! Take the time to talk with your kids in regard to safety and make sure they are dressed appropriately for their cold adventure. If the activity entails high rates of speed - intentional or not - helmets are recommended.

Head injuries are common in this winter weather, and recent research shows that concussions can have lasting effects. Signs and symptoms of a concussion can include headache, confusion, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, memory loss, and trouble concentrating. Of most concern is loss of consciousness! If your child is displaying these symptoms, an evaluation by a medical professional is necessary. An evaluation at our Urgent Care will include a full neurological exam followed by possible imaging studies, medication, and observation. Any child with loss of consciousness will be observed every 15 minutes for at least 2 hours.

We include clear discharge instructions for at-home care and follow-up. It is common practice to limit a child from physical activity until they are cleared by their pediatrician. Dependent on the severity of the concussion, this could be for several weeks. A child who sustains a second concussion when not completely healed from the first concussion can have lifelong neurological changes.

If in doubt, get checked out!

- Dr. Kate