An NFL trainer on child concussions: sit out if you suspect one — 'It's not worth it'

# Quick summary Kayla Parker, an athletic trainer for the Denver Broncos and the team's cheerleaders, lays out practical, plain guidance for parents and coaches about concussions in children. She focuses on actionable steps after a head hit, corrects common myths about loss of consciousness and sleep, explains what emergency rooms can and cannot do, and discusses emerging research on screen time and vision after head trauma.

# What parents should do right away

# When to go to the emergency room A CT scan in the ER targets bleeding or skull fracture. If a child shows signs that suggest a bleed or other structural injury — worsening headache, repeated vomiting, unequal pupils, prolonged loss of consciousness, or progressive neurological decline — seek emergency care. For most suspected concussions without those red flags, the ER won't offer treatment beyond imaging to exclude a bleed.

# Myths corrected

• Sleep after a concussion: Allowing a concussed person to sleep is not inherently dangerous. The prohibition on sleep is a myth.
• Loss of consciousness: Only about 10% of concussions involve losing consciousness, and that does not reliably predict how long recovery will take.
• External padding: Extra padding, like Guardian Caps, can reduce some impact forces for helmeted players but can give a false sense of security. Helmets were designed primarily to prevent skull fractures and brain bleeds, not to eliminate concussions entirely.

# The risk of repeat impacts

# New questions: screen time and vision Parker notes growing data linking prolonged screen exposure with symptoms relevant to concussion recovery: visual fatigue, dizziness, and imbalance. She indicates researchers are studying whether heavy screen use may increase susceptibility to concussion or worsen symptoms after one. For clinicians and families, vision symptoms are now a routine part of concussion assessment.

# Practical takeaways

• Remove and rest: Any suspected concussion warrants sitting out until cleared by a qualified provider.
• Know ER red flags: Use emergency services for signs of structural brain injury or worsening neurological status.
• Treat sleep normally: Allow sleep unless specifically advised otherwise by medical personnel.
• Manage expectations for protective gear: Use helmets to reduce fractures/bleeds, but don't assume added padding prevents concussions.
• Monitor vision and screen habits: Report visual symptoms to the treating clinician and discuss screen-time adjustments during recovery.

Parker's advice centers on conservative, early action and avoiding risky assumptions. For parents and coaches who want a clear rule: if you even suspect a concussion, have the athlete sit out and get evaluated.