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Acne in Children: What Parents Need to Know
At Pediatrician Specialty Practices, we understand that nothing is more important than your child’s health. This page provides essential information on common medical conditions that may affect children. One of the more concerning conditions parents may encounter is a concussion. This resource is designed to help you understand concussions, their causes, symptoms, and the necessary steps you should take when your child experiences this type of head injury. If you suspect your child has suffered a concussion, please get in touch with our practice to schedule an evaluation immediately.
What is a Concussion in Children?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow or jolt to the head, which disrupts normal brain function. Unlike adults, concussions in children can be more difficult to detect since symptoms might be subtle, and kids may have trouble articulating how they feel. While most concussions do not involve loss of consciousness, they can still have serious effects on a child's cognitive and physical health.
It’s crucial for parents to recognize the signs early and act quickly to ensure the best possible care.
Causes of Concussions in Children
Children can suffer concussions from a variety of everyday activities. Some of the most common causes include:
- Falling: Especially from playground equipment, bikes, or stairs.
- Sports injuries: High-contact sports like football, soccer, and gymnastics.
- Car accidents: Even minor bumps can lead to concussions.
- Physical impact: From fights, bumps during playtime, or accidents involving hard objects.
Parents need to be aware that concussions don’t always present with external signs like bruising or cuts. Understanding the potential causes helps in determining whether to seek medical attention.
When Should You Call a Pediatrician?
If you suspect that your child has hit their head, it's important to monitor them closely. In some cases, concussion symptoms will not appear immediately. If your child experiences any of the following, it’s critical to contact Pediatrician Specialty Practices or visit an emergency department:
Common Concussion Symptoms in Children:
- Dizziness after a head injury
- Headache, particularly one that worsens over time
- Brief loss of memory (amnesia)
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Difficulty concentrating
- Unexplained irritability or changes in behavior
Emergency Symptoms:
- Loss of consciousness
- Prolonged confusion, anxiety, or drowsiness
- Repeated vomiting or seizures
- Severe headache, especially accompanied by blurred vision
- Weakness, difficulty walking, or speaking
- Blood or clear fluid draining from the nose or ears
If any of these signs are present, seek immediate emergency care.
Post-Concussion Syndrome: What Parents Should Know
In some cases, symptoms of a concussion can persist for weeks or even months after the initial injury. This is known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS). During this time, your child may continue to experience headaches, dizziness, and trouble with concentration or memory. If you notice that your child is still displaying these symptoms weeks after the injury, schedule a follow-up appointment with your pediatrician. Early intervention can help manage and reduce the severity of PCS.
How Are Concussions Treated?
Treatment for a concussion is focused on managing symptoms while allowing the brain time to heal. While there is no quick fix, there are steps you can take to promote your child’s recovery:
- Rest: Ensure your child gets plenty of physical and mental rest.
- Hydration: Keep them well-hydrated with water and healthy fluids.
- Pain Management: Use over-the-counter pain relief (such as acetaminophen) if approved by your pediatrician.
- Cold Compress: Apply ice to reduce swelling if there is a visible bump.
- Medical Evaluation: For more serious injuries, your pediatrician will thoroughly examine your child for any additional injuries and recommend appropriate treatment.
Preventing Concussions in Children
While accidents happen, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of concussions:
- Proper Equipment: Ensure your child wears helmets and protective gear when playing sports, riding bikes, or participating in high-risk activities.
- Safe Play Spaces: Always supervise younger children during playtime, especially around playground equipment or stairs.
- Seatbelts and Car Seats: Make sure your child is properly buckled in during car rides.
Being proactive in prevention is key, but should a concussion occur, remember that our pediatric team is here to guide you through every step of the recovery process.
Affiliation with St. Francis Hospital
We are proud to be affiliated with St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way, offering families access to high-quality, specialized care. St. Francis features a Family Birth Center dedicated to maternity and childbirth services, including comfortable birthing suites and a calm, supportive environment for new families. With options for both obstetrical and midwifery care, they provide comprehensive labor and delivery services, including high-risk pregnancy care and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). The center is supported by a Level II Special Care Nursery staffed by a specialized neonatology team, ensuring around-the-clock care for newborns in need. This partnership allows us to connect families with top-tier resources and care tailored to each stage of pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®) and International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA®) have recognized St. Francis Hospital for excellence in lactation care.
Accepted Insurance
At Pediatrician Specialty Practices, we strive to make your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. That’s why we proudly accept most major insurance plans. To see the list of commonly accepted providers, simply click "View Full List of Companies."
Please note, this list is not exhaustive, and we may accept additional plans beyond those listed. If you don’t have insurance, we offer flexible payment plans to ensure your child receives the care they need.
For questions about your specific insurance plan or to discuss payment options, feel free to reach out to our office. We’re here to help!
Schedule Your Child’s Appointment Today!
At Pediatrician Specialty Practices, we offer flexible scheduling options to fit your busy life, with same-day sick visits available. You can easily book your child’s appointment by calling our office or using our convenient online scheduling tool.
Contact us today to make an appointment and ensure your child receives the care they deserve!
32124 1st Ave S, Suite 100, Federal Way, WA 98003
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Phone: 253-661-5939 | Fax: 253-661-5929
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
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