Even what seems like a minor bump to the head can be serious, warns psychologist Gerard A. Gioia, PhD, of Children's National Medical Center. If there's any chance a child has a concussion, he wants you to take action:
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Look for signs of concussion, such as changes in the child's behavior, thinking or physical functioning.
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Record information — including the injury's cause; any loss of consciousness, memory loss or seizures; and previous concussions — to help with evaluation.
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Seek immediate help from a health-care professional who can determine how serious the injury is.
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Keep the child off the playing field until you get an OK from a health-care professional.
—R.A. Clay