by Dr. Tricia McDonough Ryan, Pediatric Clinical Neuropsychologist
As a parent, navigating the world of youth sports can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to protecting your child from injuries like concussions.
While we can’t eliminate all risks, focusing on what you can control—like reminding your child to speak up about symptoms and ensuring that coaches follow appropriate concussion protocols—can make a huge difference.
Dr. Tricia McDonough Ryan, Pediatric Clinical Neuropsychologist at Gaylord, says she often hears parents say they wish they had been better informed, particularly about prevention, before their child’s concussion.She believes parents should take four essential steps to help protect their children from potential injury and confidently handle the situation should a concussion happen.
1. Ask questions about training and safety protocols
As Dr. Ryan points out, many parents aren’t aware they can—and should—ask questions of the coaches and other organizers. Youth sports that are affiliated with a national organization, such as USA Football and US Soccer Federation, have concussion protocols and require coaches to complete CDC HEADS UP concussion certification and sport-specific training guidelines for age-appropriate drills to reduce the risk of head injury.
"Parents should feel confident and empowered in asking if a coach has completed the CDC HEADS UP concussion certification on preventing and recognizing concussions. Parents have the right to know if proper drills are being used to reduce injury risks,” she said, noting that children often sustain injuries while practicing skills that are not age-appropriate.
“Know your coach,” she urged. “If they have a history of not respecting players with injuries, then perhaps that coach isn’t a good fit for your child.”
Dr. Ryan recommends all parents check out the HEADS UP training protocol here.
2. Check helmet fit regularly
Helmets, whether for football, hockey, biking, or skiing, are designed to prevent catastrophic injury.
“They’re your first line of defense, but only if they’re fitted and maintained correctly,” Dr. Ryan said.
"Helmets need to be calibrated and inspected throughout the season, not just at the beginning.”
Local fire or police departments, and sometimes pediatrician offices, offer programs for bike helmet safety checks, and Dr. Ryan encourages parents to use these resources.
3. Learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion – before one occurs
Parents and their children are encouraged to review and discuss the CDC HEADS UP website for signs and symptoms of concussions together. The CDC’s resources are extensive and explain that signs can include dizziness, headaches, difficulty thinking clearly or concentrating, blurred vision, nausea, confusion, fatigue, balance issues, irritability, anxiety, sadness, or changes in sleep or eating patterns.
Dr. Ryan is quick to note that concussion symptoms may not appear immediately and can be delayed for hours or days after an injury.
"It’s normal for kids not to report any symptoms within the first 24 hours of a concussion because they may not feel the neurochemical changes their brain has experienced yet,” she said.
“Sometimes, kids aren’t even aware of what a concussion is. We need to educate them that if they experience a jolt or blow to the head and feel dizzy or have a headache, feel confused, or have trouble balancing, it could be a sign of a concussion, and that they should stop playing and let an adult know right away.”
Dr. Ryan said that some children may be reluctant to report symptoms for fear of being taken out of their games or practices.
“Perhaps they’re scared of being penalized. So how do we help kids not feel pressured? I think it's important for a parent to regularly remind them their health is what’s most important, we are proud of you, and we are here to support you. You only get one brain. It’s better to miss a game and get better, than keep playing and miss the season or risk serious neurological consequences from ignoring a head injury.”
4. Have a game plan for seeking medical attention
While some symptoms—such as loss of consciousness, continuous vomiting, visual changes, balance issues that are worsening, a migraine with visual field cuts, seizure, or a suspected skull fracture—warrant an immediate trip to the ER, Dr. Ryan highlights that many suspected concussions can be addressed by the child’s pediatrician.
She urges parents to be proactive.
"At your child’s annual physical or before starting the sports season, have a conversation with the pediatrician about what steps they want you to take if you think your child has a concussion. Do they want you to call them first? Automatically go to the ER?”
"It’s crucial to know the steps to take ahead of time, so you're not scrambling if a concussion occurs."
Want to learn more about concussion care at Gaylord Specialty Healthcare? Click here.