M
%Start Does My Child Have a Concussion Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Concussion
visibility
192 views
thumb_up
43 likes
E
Here’s what you need to know about the signs and symptoms of a concussion and when to seek medical attention. By Michelle SeitzerMedically Reviewed by Michael R.
thumb_up
38 likes
E
Yochelson, MD, MBAReviewed: August 19, 2022Medically ReviewedSymptoms of a concussion can come immediately after a hit on the head, or they may appear days or weeks after the incident.Ivan Jekic/Getty ImagesKids are often prone to minor injuries, but it’s important to know how to differentiate a simple bump on the head from a potentially serious brain injury, such as a concussion.Start with a clear understanding of what a concussion is to better identify the signs and symptoms of concern — and to know when to consult your child’s healthcare provider. Simply put, a concussion is a brain injury, says Matthew Grady, MD, a sports medicine pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia who specializes in pediatric concussions. “There has to be a force that shakes the head, which can cause a change in brain function,” he says.
thumb_up
8 likes
R
“Structural changes to the brain would represent a different type of brain injury.”
The sooner you intervene after a potential concussion the better, says Dr. Grady.
thumb_up
15 likes
K
“A late diagnosis or misdiagnosis can lead to longer-lasting symptoms,” he says.
What to Look For When You Suspect a Concussion and When to Get Help
Symptoms of a concussion may not show up right away nor are they always easy to identify — particularly if your child has a high pain tolerance and doesn’t complain of headaches, eye strain, or other invisible symptoms.
thumb_up
22 likes
V
However, if your child experiences an injury and shows these immediate signs and symptoms, head straight to the ER:BleedingVomitingSlurred speechSevere head painMental confusionSignificant balance impairmentVision deficits (i.e., can’t look to the right or left)Weakness or numbness on one side of the bodyDifficulty rousing from sleep
If no immediate signs are evident but you’re concerned that your child might have a concussion, watch for a cluster of symptoms, says Grady. “Signs are physical, but what the patient is experiencing — the symptoms — are the things you want to evaluate before calling your primary care doctor,” he says. Symptoms of a concussion include these problems:Vision changes, like eye strain, difficulty tracking and focusing, or sensitivity to light and soundMood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability, or perseveration (uncontrollable repetition of a particular response)Changes in cognition, like delays in reaction time, processing speed, or memoryHeadaches, nausea, dizziness, or loss of balanceExcessive fatigue during the day or sleeping more or less than usual For children with special needs who may be nonverbal or unable to communicate their symptoms, watch for cues that may alert you to something out of the ordinary, like being bothered by noise or bright lights.
If no immediate signs are evident but you’re concerned that your child might have a concussion, watch for a cluster of symptoms, says Grady. “Signs are physical, but what the patient is experiencing — the symptoms — are the things you want to evaluate before calling your primary care doctor,” he says. Symptoms of a concussion include these problems:Vision changes, like eye strain, difficulty tracking and focusing, or sensitivity to light and soundMood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability, or perseveration (uncontrollable repetition of a particular response)Changes in cognition, like delays in reaction time, processing speed, or memoryHeadaches, nausea, dizziness, or loss of balanceExcessive fatigue during the day or sleeping more or less than usual For children with special needs who may be nonverbal or unable to communicate their symptoms, watch for cues that may alert you to something out of the ordinary, like being bothered by noise or bright lights.
thumb_up
1 likes
E
You may also see some regression of newly developed skills, like blurting out answers in class if he just learned to raise his hand or more meltdowns if she’s recently learned to self-regulate. If you’re seeing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician for a full evaluation, which will include specific tests for balance and eye tracking.
thumb_up
36 likes
A
“These evaluations are so important because if your child has balance or vision deficits, there are treatments that can help,” Grady says.
Getting Back to a Regular Routine After a Concussion
It’s hard to keep active kids down.
thumb_up
38 likes
M
Fortunately, though, they can still be physically active following a concussion. “There’s a myth that kids need to stay in a dark room forever,” says Grady. “But children should be allowed to do activities provided their symptoms don’t get worse.”
Sports and full-contact activities are the exception, though.
thumb_up
49 likes
E
The most important thing is to avoid reinjury while the brain is still healing. If a child experiences another injury while still concussed, the injury is amplified, Grady says.
thumb_up
6 likes
Z
Experts at the Weill Cornell Concussion and Brain Injury Clinic say that children who sustain one concussion are at a higher risk for a second if they experience an injury soon after the first. In addition, per the clinic, children who are still recovering from a concussion can sustain a second one from a lesser impact than is generally required to produce a concussion.
thumb_up
33 likes
C
The first day after a concussion is the best day to stay home and rest, says Grady. A 2016 study affirms the importance of this timing: Children who rested, physically and cognitively, from the beginning — instead of waiting a few days before slowing down — recovered four days faster. That’s why it’s key to catch a concussion early so you can rest early and ramp up activity gradually.
thumb_up
21 likes
A
However, it’s important not to continue strict bed rest for too long. Children may get behind in school, lose out on social interactions, and become depressed.
thumb_up
50 likes
J
And there is no evidence that prolonged periods of complete rest are beneficial. According to a 2017 review, the most beneficial duration of rest requires further investigation, but 24 to 48 hours seems appropriate for most patients.In fact, a 2018 review supports gradually returning to aerobic exercise as opposed to prolonged rest from any activity.
thumb_up
5 likes
E
To assess their readiness for returning to school, it’s acceptable to do a trial at home, says Grady. The cognitive demands of high school are certainly more strenuous than elementary, but if your child of any age is experiencing eye or head strain, pressure, or pain — particularly when doing homework — scale back.
thumb_up
28 likes
S
NEWSLETTERS
Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter
SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
Children and Concussions. Weill Cornell Concussion and Brain Injury Clinic.Taubman B, Rosen F, McHugh J, et al.
thumb_up
29 likes
I
The Timing of Cognitive and Physical Rest and Recovery in Concussion. Journal of Child Neurology. December 2016.Schneider KJ, Leddy JJ, Guskiewicz KM, et al.
thumb_up
23 likes
M
Rest and Treatment/Rehabilitation Following Sport-Related Concussion: A Systematic Review. British Journal of Sports Medicine.
thumb_up
50 likes
L
June 2017.Leddy JJ, Wilber CG, Willer BS. Active Recovery From Concussion.
thumb_up
10 likes
J
Current Opinion in Neurology. December 2018.Show Less
The Latest in Concussion
Everything You Need to Know About Concussions in Sports
Get the facts about how common concussions are in sports, as well as how to keep yourself — or your children — safe from a brain injury during recreational...By Ashley WelchMarch 31, 2022What Are the Symptoms of a Concussion
Here’s what you need to look out for if you suspect you’ve had a mild traumatic brain injury, so that you can get it diagnosed and treated.By Lisa RapaportMarch 24, 2022What Complications Can Arise From a Concussion
While most symptoms of a concussion will resolve within a few weeks, some people can experience complications that last much longer.By Ashley WelchMarch 16, 2022How Concussions Affect Males and Females Differently
What you should know about the gender differences in traumatic brain injuries.By Ashley WelchMarch 15, 2022How Is a Concussion Treated and What Can You Do During the Recovery Period
There is no specific treatment for a concussion, but several things can help reduce the severity and length of symptoms.By Ashley WelchMarch 10, 2022What Is a Concussion Symptoms Causes Diagnosis and Treatment
By Ashley WelchMarch 7, 2022Type of Headache Matters in Concussion Recovery Study Finds
Kids who have post-concussion migraine headaches may take longer to recover.By Kaitlin SullivanMarch 12, 2021Football Concussions Occur Mostly in Practice Not Games
Experts urge education and reform to football practice rules.By Jordan M.
thumb_up
18 likes
C
DavidsonFebruary 22, 2021
A New Game-Changing Way to Improve Concussion Diagnosis
Research shows that a simple saliva test may hold the key to accurately diagnosing concussions in the future.By Stacey ColinoDecember 2, 2020Melatonin Tied to Better Brain Function in Kids With Concussions
Children recovering from concussions who take melatonin may have improved function in regions of the brain thought to regulate sleep, a small experiment...By Lisa RapaportOctober 26, 2020Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
Show LessMORE IN5 Surprising Causes of Memory Loss
10 Brain Exercises That Boost Memory
Serious Injuries in Children More Likely to Occur at Trampoline Parks Not on Home Trampolines
thumb_up
10 likes
Similar Discussions
-
Where to buy Nike LeBron 20 Laser Blue shoes? Price and more details explored
-
How Bray Wyatt s WWE return teased at Extreme Rules graphics
-
3 best Minecraft servers for Axe PvP
-
How to get free Cobalt Athlete Bundle in Free Fire MAX
-
Do you want me to fall asleep? Advantage Germany England fans on Twitter sickened as 27 year old earns rare start for UEFA Nations League clash
-
5 WWE tag teams who could defeat The Young Bucks
-
Should you root your phone in 2022? Advantages and disadvantages explained
-
A big thank you Hardik Pandya s special message to the ground staff in Nagpur after 2nd T20I vs Australia
-
Roger Federer arrives in London for the Laver Cup
-
GJG vs MNT Dream11 Prediction Fantasy Cricket Tips Today s Playing 11 Player Stats Pitch Report for Legends League Cricket 2022 Match 3
-
Bayley names 3 WWE legends to battle with Damage CTRL
-
BAC vs TPC II Dream11 Prediction Fantasy Cricket Tips Today s Playing 11 Player Stats Pitch Report for Zimbabwe T10 2022 Match 27
-
Former champion drove Alpine s F1 car at 2022 Italian GP
-
What time will Bob Hearts Abishola season 4 episode 1 air on FOX? Release date synopsis and more explored
-
Disney Dreamlight Valley Guide Unlocking new Biomes and collecting Dreamlight
-
Bhai Ronaldinho ko to tag krdete Fan posts hilarious comment as Yuzvendra Chahal poses with football legend
-
Left the Dad bod in 2020 After splitting up with JLo Alex Rodriguez showed off his before and after transformation in an Instagram post
-
Erika is evil RHOBH fan Jennifer Lawrence shares her opinion on Bravo star Erika Jayne calls the show boring
-
Wrestling world erupts after a comparison between WWE s Happy Corbin and AEW s MJF
-
SMO vs FJ Dream11 Prediction Fantasy Cricket Tips Today s Playing 11s Player Stats and Pitch Report for ICC Men s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier A Match 6
-
Ex Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel a candidate to take over as manager of European giants Reports
-
Mandy Rose reacts to being called hot by a top WWE Superstar
-
Chainsaw Man anime announces October release date
-
Multiple AEW personnel reportedly suspended following physical altercation involving CM Punk Ace Steel and The Elite
-
WWE s Rhea Ripley on being compared to Chyna
-
I feel like I m definitely one of the players that has a chance not many can say that Nick Kyrgios on facing Daniil Medvedev in US Open 4R
-
What happened to Laura Moberley? Elementary school teacher and her children found dead in South Carolina home
-
It s really weird I can t believe it Steve Nicol reveals what left him astounded despite Liverpool s win over Newcastle
-
That s not good news 2 Arsenal stars set to be ruled out for a while with injuries
-
Do You Need to Wear Sunscreen Indoors? Everyday Health