Does your child have a concussion?

Concussions can be difficult to diagnose, in part because symptoms can be subtle. You may notice that your child is more tired than usual, they "just don't seem like themselves", or they are bothered by loud noises or bright lights. Other symptoms are more obvious, such as vomiting or the inability to answer questions. It's important to remember that your child may not be able to recognize and/or verbalize their own symptoms, especially if they are young. And to make it even more complicated, symptoms may not show up for hours or even days.

Signs/Symptoms

There are a number of signs/symptoms you need to look for if you suspect your child may have a concussion. Although headache is commonly reported, not all athletes who suffer concussions will experience the same set of symptoms. Learn more...

When to seek medical care

Concussions can be very difficult to diagnose, so it's important to find a medical provider who is trained in the diagnosis and management of the injury. It is important to inquire.


When to call 911

Most concussions resolve within a few days or weeks, and emergency help is required in very few instances. However, if your child has suffered a concussion, it is important to observe them carefully until they have been cleared to return to unrestricted physical and cognitive activity by a medical professional. If any of the following signs/symptoms appear, at any time, call for emergency help immediately.

Call for emergency help immediately if any of these symptoms appear:

  • headaches that worsen
  • seizures
  • neck pain
  • very drowsy, can't be awakened
  • repeated vomiting
  • increasing confusion or irritability
  • weakness, numbness in arms and legs
  • unable to recognize people/places, less responsive than usual

If you observe any of the above signs, call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately

Source: Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC


When has your child's concussion completely resolved?

The good news is most concussion heal within a few days or weeks. The fastest road to recovery is to limit physical and cognitive activity. Doing so allows their brain to return to normal, and the calcium and potassium ions (and other metabolic changes) to return to their rightful balance. This takes time, and each individual recovers on their own schedule. No one can predict how long recovery will take. It's very important not to return to play before a concussion has healed. Here's why...


Return to Play

This is one of the most important decisions your healthcare provider will make. Returning to play before your child's brain has completely healed can lead to catastrophic injuries, and in rare cases, even death. Second-impact syndrome, which is usually fatal, can occur in young athletes who suffered a previous concussion (days or weeks before the second injury). It is an uncontrolled swelling of the brain that requires life-saving, immediate surgery. It is the reason many states have enacted concussion laws over the last several years, as it is preventable.

Additionally, returning to play too soon can prolong recovery. Athletes who have suffered multiple concussions can experience long-term symptoms such as dizziness, anxiety, or headaches that last for months or years.


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