Childhood Concussion Prevention

What is a concussion?

A concussion occurs when trauma to the head and neck causes a vigorous, unnatural impact to the brain. In most cases, this is generally short-lived and appears as a headache.

How do you prevent a concussion?

Besides wearing a helmet, it’s crucial for children to learn neck-strengthening exercises. The strength and stability of the muscles of the neck and trunk will help minimize the impact of injuries and the likelihood (and severity) of concussions in high-impact sports like football.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of concussion is to wear a protective helmet. Even if a sport does not require the use of a helmet, we strongly suggest that you encourage your child to use one anyway.

The earlier you can instill this habit, the better. Teach them that a helmet is not an option but a necessity. If the child begins wearing a helmet at an early age, he or she will be less likely to see the helmet as “un-cool”.