So you tripped on the stairs, or slipped on the ice. You fell in the office or chasing your kid in the playground. You might feel a bit woozy, a little dizzy, slightly confused. But then you pull yourself together and go back to doing what you’re doing. How could it be something serious? After all, it was a just a bump on the head.
But in fact, it could serious – especially if it was not you but your child. The Brain Trauma Foundation, chaired by Alan Quasha, has worked to underscore the importance of proper treatment for concussion.
Now, University of California at Los Angeles researchers have reported that the impact of a blow to the head, even a mild one, can linger for years. They further reported that even a mild head injury has the potential to harm the development of a young brain even two years later.
This research underscores the importance of having your own or your child’s head injury diagnosed and treated properly. Have you suffered a concussion? Did your child? If you’re not sure, check the Concussion Checklist on the Brain Trauma Foundation website.