When we were kids and we bumped our heads, our parents worried about concussion. They kept us awake and watched for the telltale symptoms that we’d done serious damage. However, that may not be enough. Just because a child is not exhibiting severe symptoms doesn’t mean that brain injury has not occurred.

Canadian researchers are calling on parents, coaches, and teachers to take head injuries as the serious brain injuries they are.

"Parents often believe that concussion injury is mild and doesn't involve damage to the brain," said lead researcher Dr. Carol DeMatteo, an associate clinical professor in the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University, in Hamilton, Ontario. “Concussion really is a brain injury — there's no question about that," she said.

We Need More Specific Terminology

Researches urge dropping the word "concussion" in favor of more specific language.

"The term concussion is used frequently, but there are no real guidelines in using it with children," DeMatteo said.

DeMatteo went on to warn about misconceptions by caretakers and the children themselves.

Gillian Hotz, director of the Pediatric Neurotrauma Program at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, cautions that parents shouldn’t be so quick to accept that a child has suffered "only" a concussion.

"Concussion is only a catch-all term for a spectrum of non-structural brain injury," Hotz said. "Most kids who have a concussion, rest — the headache goes away, the symptoms go away, and they're fine. But, you have to be very careful. If there is damage on a CT [scan] or prolonged unconsciousness then it's in another category, not a concussion."

Not Taking Concussions Seriously Enough?

Researchers found that when children were diagnosed with “concussion” rather than “brain injury” they spent less time in the hospital and were more likely to go back to school sooner.

"If children go back to school or sports too soon after a concussion they are at an increased risk of having another head injury," DeMatteo noted. "Kids are twice as likely to have another head injury within a year if they have [already] had one."

Signs of Concussion or Brain Injury

According to DeMatteo, signs of a concussion or brain injury include:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Memory problems
• Disturbed sleep
• Mood changes

These symptoms can affect school performance, and returning too soon to sports can increase the risk for another injury.