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*Please be aware that information provided on this website is for your further education only. It is not to replace the medical care you would receive from our office in response to specific symptoms and questions.  If you have any questions, call the office.                                

What's Going Around?                                                                 august 2010

 

 

 

 

 

Rashes

In general, most rashes are viral in nature or the result of contact with a skin irritant.  Rashes often appear and disappear without any treatment.  Call the office if your child has a fever with the rash, the rash is hive-like in appearance, or if the rash is spreading or appears infected.

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Poison Ivy

-  plant that emits the oily irritant, urushiol.  The urushiol chemically “locks on” to skin proteins within 20 minutes after exposure to the plant.  Contact with this annoying oil produces a rash in three out of four people. Symptoms include:

  • rash with redness and blisters

  • eruptions on exposed body surfaces

  • shaped like streaks or patches

  • extreme itchiness

  • onset 1 to 2 days after patient was in a forest or field

  • symptoms usually last two weeks.

The best treatment is prevention, however if you find yourself with the rash, treatment includes:  cool soaks to affected area, 1% hydrocortisone cream twice/day for 3 days.

Cut fingernails short to prevent infection from scratching.  Benadryl orally may be used to decrease itching.

Contagion:  The fluid from the sores is not contagious.  However, anything that has poison ivy oil or sap on it is contagious for about one week.  This includes shoes and clothes the patient wore, as well as any pets with oil on them.  Wash items with soap and water.  The rash begins 1 to 2 days after contact.

Prevention includes learning to recognize the plant.  

 

                                      Poison Ivy

 

Wear long pants or socks when walking through the woods.

If you think you have come into contact with this plant wash any exposed areas of skin several times. Try to do this within one hour of exposure.

Need to be seen if poison ivy is on the face, eyes or lips or if with signs of infection (pus or soft yellow scabs).  

 

Poison sumac and Poison oak contain urushiol also so be aware of these plants too.

        

                  Poison Sumac                                                         Poison Oak

 

Tick Bite Prevention

Many infectious diseases are transmitted by ticks.  Lyme disease is the best known, but others that may not sound so familiar include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia and tick paralysis.  Not all ticks carry disease, and not all that can make your child sick, will.  Here are some precautions you can take when outdoors, especially in wooded areas and grasslands.

  • Simple avoidance:  Ticks usually climb from the ground or vegetation, so it helps to avoid tall grass or thick ground cover as well as dense woods.  Try to stay on cleared trails, away from brush and vegetation.

  • What to wear:  Ticks are most likely to bite in areas of warmth-at the beltline or neckline, at the tops of shoes or boots, on the scalp, or in the groin or armpits.  Wear long pants tucked into socks or boots.  Wear a long sleeved shirt that is snug around the wrists and tucked into the waistband.  Don't wear sandals or open toed shoes.  Wear light colored clothing to make it easier to find ticks.

  • Use repellents:  Spray a repellent containing permethrin on clothes (not skin), if product is available.  Be careful when using products with DEET in children.  Use in small amounts, and follow the label directions carefully.  Too much DEET can cause side effects.  Ask your veterinarian about tick repellents for your pets.

  • Self-inspection: After you've been outdoors, especially in wooded areas or grasslands, check your child's body carefully for ticks twice a day.  Don't forget to inspect the neck and scalp.  You can use a fine tooth comb to find ticks in the hair.  Be aware that some ticks, including the one that transmits Lyme disease, are tiny-about the size of a poppy seed-before they are swollen with blood.  Be sure to check pets for ticks, too.

  • Tick removal: If you find a tick on your child the best way to remove it is to grasp the tick at the point of attachment and apply slow, steady traction.  This should remove the tick intact with the cement.  Using a lighted match, heated nail or pocketknife may burn your child or cause the tick to regurgitate its contents into the host and does not stimulate the tick to detach.  Experts recommend using a blunt medium tipped pair of forceps or tweezers.  Be sure to remove all mouth parts and cement with forceps or tweezers.

  • Treatment after exposure:  It is unnecessary to preserve the tick in alcohol because the predictive value of tick analysis has not been defined.  Post exposure prophylaxis with antibiotics is also not recommended, because of, first, the low risk of disease transmission after a tick bite and, second, the risk of adverse effects from the antibiotic.  Prophylaxis will be considered if a person has multiple tick bites or if a tick's attachment is known to have lasted 72 hours.

~Contemporary Pediatrics May 2006

 

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Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria transmitted to humans through tick bites.  Left untreated, it can lead to heart problems, neurological symptoms or arthritis.  Most reported cases are concentrated in the coastal Northeast and mid-Atlantic, as well as Wisconsin, Minnesota and Northern California, but the disease has been reported in nearly every state.  Outbreaks tend to occur in summer and early fall.

Deer ticks are so small that they can be difficult to see, so you may not realize you've been bitten.  The telltale sign of infection is a red expanding rash (usually at the location of the bite) that swells to form a circular or oval shape, like a bull's eye.  This rash can show up three to 30 days after transmission and is usually not painful or itchy.  Other signs may include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, stiff neck, sore throat, fatigue and changes in vision.  Treatment usually involves a three week course of antibiotics which often provides a full cure.

Although many ticks don't carry Lyme disease, bites should be monitored.  Carefully remove the tick.  Your chances of contracting Lyme disease are greatly reduced if you remove the tick within 24 hours.  Studies show that transmission does not occur until 36 to 48 hours after the tick attaches to your body.  If symptoms occur, see your doctor immediately.

~Centers for Disease Control

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West Nile Virus

The incidence of west nile virus infection has decreased since 2002 as more people are exposed to bites from the mosquitos that carry it. The virus still remains dangerous for the very young and the elderly.

West Nile virus is spread to humans, birds and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito.  The mosquito becomes infected from biting a bird with the virus.  Crows and bluejays are the birds most likely to die from the infection.

If you find one of these dead birds contact your local health department in case they want to test the bird for the virus.  To dispose of the bird wear rubber or plastic gloves or use a shovel to pick up the bird.  Place the bird in a plastic bag, tie it shut and place inside another plastic bag and close.  Wash hands well when done.

Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms or experience mild illness.  The illness would occur 5 to 15 days after getting bit by the infected mosquito.  The virus is not communicable between humans. 

Symptoms are generally mild and include:  fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands.  Severe infections are marked by high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, occasional convulsions and paralysis.

Prevention is the key to avoid infection.  You can reduce the number of mosquitoes around your property by eliminating areas of standing water.  Turn over wading pools when not in use, dispose of cans or containers that hold water.  Clean birdbaths weekly.  Aerate ornamental ponds or stock with fish. Use yellow bug lights in your outdoor lights, bugs are less attracted to these lights.

Wear light colored clothing, long sleeved shirts or jackets and slacks.

Use insect repellent with Deet (6-30%) for children when outdoors.  Remember to wash off when come inside, spray onto clothes rather than skin.

Stay indoors if possible when mosquitoes are most active, generally two to three hours before and after dusk and at dawn when the air is calm.  This is when the females are most likely to bite.

For more information go to the Ohio Department of Health website at www.odh.state.oh.us.  Search for “ West Nile ”.

 

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STREP THROAT

This is a sore throat caused by the streptococcus bacteria.  It can only be diagnosed with a rapid strep test or a throat culture.  Symptoms often include fever, complaints of a sore throat, headache or stomachache.  If your child has any of these symptoms for longer than 24 hours they should be seen to be tested for strep.  Untreated strep throat infections can have serious complications such as rheumatic fever.  Strep throat is usually treated with penicillin.  Generally, after being on the antibiotic for 48 hours symptoms have improved.  After taking the antibiotic for 24 hours, your child is no longer contagious and can return to school if the fever is gone and they feel better.  Tylenol or Motrin can be given along with the antibiotic to treat fever or for pain relief.  Warm salt water gargles and a soft diet are also helpful.  The incubation period after exposure is 3-5 days.  Anyone in close contact that develops symptoms during this time frame should be tested for strep throat.

 

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SCARLET FEVER

This is a strep throat infection with a rash.  The rash is caused by a special rash-producing toxin that is present in some strep bacteria.  The rash usually appears 18-24 hours after developing a sore throat and a fever.  The skin appears sunburned, with very small red bumps and it feels rough, like sandpaper.  The rash usually clears in 4-5 days after treatment with penicillin.  Occasionally the skin will peel where the rash was most prominent.  Your child is no longer contagious after being on the antibiotic for 24 hours.  The rash itself is not contagious.

 

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SORE THROAT

Most sore throats are caused by viruses and are part of a cold.  Tonsillitis (temporary swelling  and redness of the tonsils) is usually present with any throat infection, viral or bacterial.  The presence of tonsillitis does not have any special meaning.  Sore throats caused by a virus usually last 3-4 days.  Children with a postnasal drip from draining sinuses often have a sore throat from frequent throat clearing.  Treatment for sore throats include:  Tylenol or Motrin for pain and fever relief, warm salt water gargles and a soft diet.  Your child should be seen if the pain is severe, or if they are experiencing a great difficulty in swallowing, or are drooling or spitting.

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Roseola

Roseola is a viral rash caused by the human herpes virus6.  This virus generally affects children ages 6 months to 4 years of age.  The rash is a fine, pink rash on the trunk of the body.  The rash is preceded by 2-3 days of fever.  The fever goes away and then the rash appears.  There is no treatment necessary other than fever management.  The child is contagious while with the fever and until the rash is gone usually in 1-2 days.

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Fifth Disease (Slap Cheek)

A bright red rosy rash on both cheeks for 1 to 3 days (slapped cheek appearance). Rash on cheeks is followed by pink “lacelike” rash on extremities, mainly on thighs and upper arms. The rash can come and go for a period of 1 to 3 weeks. Usually no fever or with a low grade fever.

 

This illness is caused by the human parvovirus. It is a mild illness with few other symptoms. The incubation period is 10-14 days after exposure. This illness is mainly contagious the week before the rash begins. If you are pregnant and exposed to a child with fifth’s disease contact your obstetrician. 

 

Treatment: No treatment is necessary. The distinctive rash is harmless and causes no symptoms requiring treatment.  

 

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Injuries:  Abrasions, Cuts/Lacerations, Falls 

This is the season of outdoor activities which means the number of injuries increases significantly.  Maintaining outdoor equipment in proper working order and wearing appropriate safety gear will help to reduce injuries. Treatment for the most common injuries is as follows:

Abrasions:  These result in injury to the top layer of the skin.

Treatment:  Cleanse with an antibacterial soap, apply antibiotic ointment and observe for signs of infection: increased redness, tenderness, swelling or discharge at the site.

Cuts or Lacerations: These are generally deeper, more irregular wounds.  Depending on the wound these may require sutures.

Treatment:   If the wound won't stop bleeding after pressure is applied or if the wound is gaping (like a buttonhole) it is recommended to seek treatment at an emergency department for possible suture closure. 

Falls:  These accidents can result in the above injuries and also could include fractures and serious head injury.

        Fractures:  If your child has sustained a fall or trauma and is unable to move an extremity, has limited range of motion, bruising, swelling or point tenderness at the site of the injury, they should be seen at an emergency department for radiographic evaluation of the injury.

        Head Injury:  If your child has sustained a fall or blow to the head it is important to assess for signs of serious head injury.  These include:

            - loss of consciousness.  

            -  persistent headache or vomiting (greater than two times)

            -  clumsiness or inability to move a body part

            -  abnormal speech or behavior

            -  oozing of blood or fluid from ears and or nose

            -  convulsions

If your child exhibits any of these symptoms following a head injury call 911 or seek treatment at an emergency department.

If your child has none of the above symptoms, apply ice to the injured area and observe for the above signs of a more serious head injury.  It is not unusual to see a lump form over the injured area.  This is normal and could last for several days.

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PINWORMS

Pinworm infections are caused by a small, white intestinal worm.  Pinworms live in the rectum of humans.  While an infected person sleeps, the female leaves the intestine through the anus and deposits eggs on the surrounding skin.  The main symptoms of infection are rectal itching, disturbed sleep and irritability.  Pinworms are the most common worm infection in the United States.  School age children have the highest rate of infection.  The mode of transmission is the fecal-oral route.  You can become infected after ingesting infective pinworm eggs from contaminated surfaces or fingers.

 

Diagnosis:  Checking the rectum at night or first thing in the morning could reveal the presence of adult worms.  These will appear as tiny white threads.  Occasionally, worms are seen in the stool of infected persons. If you have found worms on your child call the office for treatment.

 

Treatment:  Pinworms are treated with prescription medication which is a two dose treatment.  Close family contacts may also require treatment.

To prevent the spread of infection:  change and wash your underwear each day, change pajamas frequently, trim fingernails short, encourage good hand washing after using the toilet, before eating and after changing diapers.  Discourage nail biting and scratching of bare anal areas, these practices help reduce the risk of continuous self infection.

After diagnosis, linens and towels of the infected person should be washed in hot water.  Vacuuming the entire house or washing sheets everyday are probably not necessary or effective. 

~Centers for Disease Control

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Fever

Fever is the body’s defense against illness and the body’s natural way of fighting infection.  The main reason to reduce fever is to make the child more comfortable.  If fever causes discomfort for your child, you may give acetaminophen (Tylenol) every four hours, or, if your child is over 6 months of age, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) every 6 hours.  Do not alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen to treat fever.

Contact the doctor if your child:

-has a temperature of 100.4 (rectal) in an infant under 8 weeks of age

-has had the fever for 3 days with no other symptoms

-has had the fever for 24-48 hours with other symptoms of illness (ie. cold symptoms, cough, urinary frequency, sore throat, etc.)  

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Colds

A cold or upper respiratory infection is a viral infection of the nose and throat.  These viruses are spread from one person to another by hand contact, coughing and sneezing - not by cold air or drafts.  Since there are up to 200 cold viruses, most healthy children get at least 6 colds per year.

   Symptoms include:  A runny or stuffy nose, usually has fever, sometimes associated with a cough, hoarseness and red eyes.

   Expected course:   Usually the fever lasts for 3 days, and all nose and throat symptoms are gone by 2 weeks.  A cough may last 2 to3 weeks.  The main things to watch for are secondary bacterial infections such as ear infections or conjunctivitis. Thick yellow nasal drainage lasting longer than 2 weeks could be a sinus infection in children over 2 years of age.                                           

   Treatment:  The best treatment is clearing the nose for a day or two.  Older children should be

                        encouraged to blow their noses. 

                        Infants can have secretions removed gently with a soft rubber suction bulb.

                        Fever (over 102 F) can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprophen.

                       Warm salt water gargles and hard candies can soothe sore throats in children over 4

                        years of age.

                       Run a humidifier in the child's bedroom to provide extra moisture in the air.

Call the Office:  If  the fever lasts longer than 3 days

                           The nasal discharge last more than 14 days.

                           The eyes develop a yellow discharge.

                           You cannot unblock the nose enough for your infant to take adequate fluids.

                           Your child develops an earache.

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Croup

Croup is a viral infection of the vocal cords.  It is usually part of a cold.  The hoarseness is due to swelling of the vocal cords.  Stri     dor occurs as the opening between the cords becomes more narrow. Croup has a distinctive cough, it is tight and often sounds like a barking seal.  The voice is usually hoarse.  Croup usually lasts for 5 to 6 days and is generally worse at night.  The worst symptoms are seen in children under 3 years of age.  Using a cool mist vaporizer in the bedroom will help ease the cough.  Warm clear fluids may help relax the vocal cords and loosen mucus.

   If your child suddenly develops stridor or tight breathing, do the following:

  • Steam up your bathroom and take the child in there for at least 10 minutes.  Warm moist air seems to relax the vocal cords and break the stridor.
  • Taking them outside into the cool night air will also help to alleviate stridor.
  • If the stridor continues, call the office IMMEDIATELY.  If your child turns blue, passes out or stops breathing, call 911.

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Coughs

Coughs are an associated symptom of a cold.  Most coughs appear after having upper respiratory symptoms (colds).  In general, if your child does not have a fever, the cough is not affecting their activity or sleep, and is not causing respiratory difficulty the symptom should resolve in 5-7 days.  Over the counter cough medicines are not recommended in children under 6 years of age. A recent study in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, found that one teaspoon of honey before bed worked better than cough medicine.  Honey should not be given to children under 1 year of age. Use of a cool mist vaporizer in the child's bedroom will often help quiet the cough. 

Contact the doctor if your child:

- has had a cough for several days and then develops a fever lasting longer than 24 hours.

- has a cough that is nonstop or causing them to gag

- is having any difficult respirations. (wheezing, panting, etc.)

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Influenza Symptoms

Influenza (commonly called the “flu”) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The information below describes common flu symptoms, how to protect yourself and those close to you from getting the flu, and what to do if you get sick with flu-like symptoms.

Be Aware of Common Flu Symptoms

Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms:

  • Fever (usually high)
  • Headache
  • Tiredness (can be extreme)
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Body aches
  • Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults)

Having these symptoms does not always mean that you have the flu. Many different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms.

Diagnosing the Flu

It is very difficult to distinguish the flu from other infections on the basis of symptoms alone. A doctor's exam may be needed to tell whether you have developed the flu or a complication of the flu. There are tests that can determine if you have the flu as long you are tested within the first 2 or 3 days of illness.

If you develop flu-like symptoms and are concerned about your illness, especially if are at high risk for complications of the flu, you should consult your healthcare provider. Those at high risk for complications include people 65 years or older, people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children.

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RSV (Respiratory Syncitial Virus)

 

RSV is a virus and the major cause of bronchiolitis (viral infection of the lower respiratory tract) and pneumonia in children less than one year of age.  It occurs most often during the winter and early spring.  It most often occurs in infants and small children under 2 years of age.  It is very communicable, by the time children reach the age of 2 years nearly 100% will have acquired an RSV infection.

 

Transmission:  RSV is acquired by contact with infected secretions, primarily infected hands touching the eyes or nose.  It is not an airborne illness.

 

Symptoms:  After exposure, the incubation is 5-8 days.  Symptoms include:  fever, large amounts of nasal secretions, ear or eye infections and development of a wet, choky cough.  As the illness progresses, these symptoms may appear:  wheezing, rapid or difficulty breathing and retractions (pulling in of chest muscles when breathing).

 

Prevention:  Good hand washing is the best prevention.  Wash toys between each use, cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then wash your hands.  Dispose of all tissues in the garbage.  Don't share towels or washcloths to prevent the spread from dried secretions.

 

Treatment:  Treatment includes management of the symptoms, use of a cool mist vaporizer, and plenty of rest.  If your child's symptoms are worsening or with any difficult respirations call the office to be seen.  Some children require hospitalization to manage the respiratory symptoms.

 

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Ear Infections

An ear infection is a bacterial infection of the middle ear (the space behind the eardrum).  It is usually a complication of a cold.  The pain is due to pressure and bulging of the eardrum from trapped, infected fluid.  The peak range for ear infections is 6 months to 2 years, but they continue to be a common childhood illness until 8 years of age.

Treatment includes an antibiotic to kill the bacteria causing the ear infection.  Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen can be given along with the antibiotic to treat fever or for pain relief.  Ear infections are not contagious.  A follow up appointment in 3 - 4 weeks is needed to be sure that the infection has cleared up.

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Vomiting

Most vomiting is caused by a viral infection of the stomach and usually lasts 6 to 24 hours.  The main concern with vomiting is to prevent dehydration. 

If your child vomits, do not give anything to drink for one hour.  After the hour you may rehydrate slowly with clear liquids (Pedialyte for infants to 2 years), gatorade for children over 2 years of age.  Start with a tablespoon of clear liquid every 15 minutes for an hour. If there is no further emesis, gradually increase the amount each hour.  If your child vomits again, you must wait an hour before retrying any liquid, this gives the stomach a chance to rest.  Remember, GO SLOW! Your child should remain on clear liquids for 12 to 24 hours before advancing diet. 

Observe for signs of dehydration:  no tears when crying, no urine output in eight hours, dry, sticky mouth and lethargy. Call the office if vomiting lasts longer than 12 hours in infants under 6 months of age, longer than 24 hours in children 6 months to 2 years of age and longer than 48 hours in children over 2 years of age, or if with signs of dehydration.

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Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the sudden increase in the frequency and looseness of bowel movements.  It is usually caused by a viral infection in the intestines.  Diarrhea usually lasts from several days to a week.  The main goal is to prevent dehydration due to loss of fluids.  Replacement fluids include pedialyte, gatorade in children over 2 years of age, ginger ale, popsicles and jello.  Avoid fruit juices as they may make diarrhea worse.  The diet should be changed to foods high in fiber and starches (breads, crackers, rice, mashed potatoes, and noodles). 

Call the office if your child has greater than 10 watery stools in a day, if the diarrhea lasts longer than 7 days, or if you notice blood or mucus in the stool.

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Conjunctivitis

Among the patients that a pediatrician sees on a typical day at the office, at least one child usually presents with a red eye (pink eye).  This is an infection of the clear membrane covering the white of the eye and the underside of the eyelid.  The cause can be viral, bacterial or an allergic response.  Bacterial conjunctivitis is the most prevalent cause of conjunctivitis.  This is because when a child has an irritated eye he will rub it, thereby secondarily infecting the eye with bacteria.  Children easily spread the infection through direct contact with the discharge, or through items they have touched such as towels, desks and toys.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is often associated with ear infections, sinus infections and a yellow-green eye discharge.  Bacterial conjunctivitis is the most common cause of pink eye in preschool children.  Viral conjunctivitis is usually associated with non strep sore throats and a whitish mucousy discharge from the eye.  Allergic conjunctivitis has a stringy, clear eye discharge.

Treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis aims to shorten the illness, lower the recurrence rate, reduce the contagiousness of infection, eradicate the causative germ and improve quality of life for the child.    This treatment usually involves the use of antibiotic eye drops.  Other suggestions to decrease the spread of the illness are good hand washing, proper disposal of tissues, and using separate towels and washcloths.

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Concussions

A concussion is a broad term and can apply to a range of injuries.  It is a brain injury associated with an immediate and 

temporary loss of normal brain function.  According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 20% of the head injuries that occur are sports related.  An even more sobering statistic is that 20% of all high school football players and 40% of all college football players will suffer a head injury at some point in their career.  Concussions represent a diffuse injury to the brain.  The optimal treatment is to prevent the injury in the first place.  Using seat belts and wearing proper equipment while playing sports, can help avoid a concussion.

The good news is the brain can repair itself.  A concussion shakes up the signal pathways of the brain, so it may take a period of days or weeks for everything to return to normal.  Symptoms that should raise red flags are persistent headache, nausea, vomiting or the sudden onset of weakness, seizure or abnormal pupil size.

Most children make a good recovery and return to normal function.

The American Academy of Pediatrics divides concussions into 3 categories:

1.  MILD:  confused, but not knocked out.  May return to play after 20 minutes if symptoms completely clear. 

2.  MODERATE:  confused, with memory loss.  May play after one week if all symptoms clear completely.

3.  SEVERE:  knocked out.  May play after one month if all symptoms clear.

~American Academy of Pediatrics

In addition, the CDC has offered the following information regarding concussions:

Signs and Symptoms

Observed by Parents or Guardians

  • Appears dazed or stunned.
  • Is confused about assignment or position
  • Forgets sports plays
  • Is unsure of game, score or opponent
  • Moves clumsily
  • Answers questions slowly
  • Loses consciousness (even briefly)
  • Shows behavior or personality changes
  • Can't recall events prior to the hit or fall
  • Can't recall events after the hit or fall

Symptoms reported by the Athlete

  • Headache or "pressure" in the head
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Balance problems or dizziness
  • Double or blurry vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sensitivity to noise
  • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy
  • Concentration or memory problems
  • Confusion
  • Does not "feel right"

What you should do if you think your child has a concussion:

1.  Seek medical attention right away.  A health care professional will be able to decide how serious the concussion is and when it is safe for your child to return to play.

2.  Keep your child out of play.  The brain needs time to heal.  Don't let your child return to play until a health care professional says it's OK.  Children who return to play too soon - while the brain is still healing - risk a greater chance of having a second concussion.  Second or later concussions can be very serious.  They can cause permanent brain damage, affecting your child for a lifetime.

3.  Tell your child's coach about any recent concussion.  Coaches should know if your child had a recent concussion.  Your child's coach may not know about about a concussion your child received in another sport or activity unless you tell the coach.

 

For more information visit:  www.cdc.gov/ConcussioninYouthSports

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Gemini Towers - 2001 Crocker Rd. #600 - Westlake, Ohio 44145 - 440-871-5100
Fairview Hospital Medical Building - 18099 Lorain Rd. Suite 304 - Cleveland, Ohio 44111


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