EVERY parent worries when their child hits their head – and a shocking video of a balloon reveals exactly why they are right to.
The horrifying footage shows a youngster’s brain, demonstrated by a small red balloon, scarily knocking around inside the skull.
GettyA video on Instagram explains what happens when a child bumps their head[/caption]
It uses balloons to explain that the brain moves around inside the skullInstagram/@tinyheartseducation
The clip was posted on Instagram by the Tiny Hearts Foundation, which specialises in baby and child first aid courses.
It said: “Not many people realise that this is happening to the brain in a concussion.
“This is why we take head injuries so seriously.”
The video shows a red balloon labelled “brain” inside a bigger white balloon, meant to be the skull.
It explains that when someone experiences a concussion, the brain moves “back and forth” inside the skull.
“This causes chemical changes in the brain and may damage brain cells,” text then reads.
The organisation, founded by a former paramedic, goes on to describe the key signs to look out for after a child has bumped their head as they could indicate something more serious.
These include: loss of consciousness, drowsiness, confusion, not crying immediately, visual changes, unequal sized pupils, weakness in an arm or leg, seizures and vomiting more than once.
If someone is experiencing any of these, they should seek medical help.
Parents hailed the informative clip as a potential lifesaver.
One woman said: “Such a great visual representation of something we can’t see.”
Another wrote: “This is incredibly helpful.”
Most head injuries aren’t serious, but if symptoms show then you should visit your nearest A&E or call 999.
What is a concussion?
A CONCUSSION is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head.
It can also be sparked by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth, like in a car accident.
If someone has hit their head and has one of the following symptoms, go to A&E or call 999:
Not waking up
Difficulty staying awake or keeping their eyes open
Seizures
Hearing or vision problems
Headache
Dizziness or ‘seeing stars’
Ringing in the ears
Nausea
Fatigue
A black eye without direct injury
Clear fluid coming from the ears or nose
Bleeding from the ears or bruising behind the ears
Numbness or weakness in part of the body
Problems with walking, balance, understanding, speaking or writing
A head wound with someone inside it