Childhood Concussions: More Than a Bump on the Head

It is summer and school is out, and for many families with children that means park time, but as fun as the extra playtime can be the risk of head injuries goes up.

When many think about concussions, high impact sports come to mind, but serious head injuries can happen at your local park too.

Parents at America the Beautiful Park said they are always on the look out for a fall or even a slip in the water.

?Yes, you are always on the lookout for dangerous situations, but the parks here are well made,? said nurse and mother Brea Conelius who was out with her children.

Doctors reports that it is important for kids to wear a helmet on their bikes or scooters, even if they are just in the front yard, to prevent injury.

Some parents and grandparents at the Colorado Springs park said the way a park is built can help.

?This park [America the Beautiful] is all soft underneath all the equipment, and it is so big and versatile that they don’t push and shove,? said grandmother Nancy Vineyard who was out with her six grandchildren.

KRDO NewsChannel13?s Doctor John Torres said head injuries should always be taken seriously, and that they do happen more in the summer because people are outside more often.

?It usually happens in a playground environment or when two kids collide with each other, especially on a trampoline. It happens from time to time,? said Torres.

If a child hits their head, Torres said it is important to keep an eye out for nausea, vomiting, loss of concussions, or even just acting different from their normal self. However, not every fall will cause a concussion.

?Kids are going to fall, are going to hit their heads. I tell parents all the time, kids heads are made to hit, they are made for impact, just make sure it is not to big an impact,? said Torres.

If you think your child has suffered a concussion, seek medical help right away.