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May 20, 2023 · The term concussion refers to a mild traumatic brain injury that can be sports related and can interfere with the way the brain works for a short period of time. Symptoms of a concussion may include: Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head. Nausea or vomiting. Balance problems or dizziness.
People also ask
How do I know if my child has a concussion?
What do you need to know about concussions in kids?
What happens if a child gets a concussion?
- Overview
- What is a concussion?
- Signs of a concussion in babies
- Signs of a concussion in toddlers
- Signs of a concussion in older children (Ages 2+)
- When to call the doctor
- Treatment for a concussion
- The takeaway
Overview
You may think that concussions are only something that can happen on the football field or in older children. Concussions can actually happen at any age and to both girls and boys.
In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics notes that there are actually more concussions in girls’ sports.
Moral of the story? It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of a concussion, how to prevent concussions from happening, when it’s time to take your child to the doctor, and how to treat a concussion.
A concussion is an injury to the brain that causes the brain to actually stop working normally for a temporary or permanent time.
Concussions are usually caused by some type of trauma to the head, like falling on the head or getting into a car accident.
Concussions are especially dangerous in young children because they may not be able to tell you how they’re feeling. You’ll need to watch them carefully for any signs and symptoms.
To make things even more confusing, sometimes concussion symptoms don’t show up right away after an injury. The signs and symptoms may appear hours or even days after the injury.
In young babies, signs of a concussion can include:
•crying when you move the baby’s head
•irritability
•interruption in the baby’s sleeping habits, either sleeping more or less
•vomiting
•bump or bruise on the head
A toddler may be able to indicate when their head hurts and be more vocal about symptoms, which can include:
•headache
•nausea or vomiting
•behavior changes
•sleep changes — more or less sleeping
•excessive crying
Children older than 2 years may show more behavioral changes, such as:
•dizziness or balance problems
•double or blurry vision
•sensitivity to light
•sensitivity to noise
•looking like they’re daydreaming
What happens if you see your child fall on their head or otherwise get injured? How do you know when you need to take them to the doctor?
The most important thing you can do is watch your child very carefully. Ask yourself the following questions:
•Is my child acting normally?
•Are they acting more drowsy than normal?
•Has their behavior changed?
If your child is awake, active, and doesn’t seem to be acting any different after a mild bump to the head, your child is most likely fine.
The only treatment for a concussion is rest. The brain needs lots and lots of rest to heal from a concussion. A full recovery can take months or even a year, depending on the severity of the concussion.
The most important thing you need to know about healing from a concussion is that the brain actually needs rest from both mental and physical activity.
After a concussion, don’t allow your child to use screens of any kind, since those actually overstimulate and excite the brain. That means no:
•TV
•tablets
•music
If your child has had a concussion, it’s extremely important to prevent another concussion or head injury. Repeated concussions can cause permanent damage to the brain.
If your child shows any signs of regression after a concussion, like grogginess, confusion, or large mood swings, you should make an appointment with the doctor for a checkup.
- It’s OK for kids to play organized sports — if you’re smart about it. It’s all about risk reduction, says Dr. Figler. “Protecting the body and brain at a young, developmental age is extremely important.
- Concussion symptoms in kids are similar to adult concussion symptoms. When it comes to concussion symptoms, kids and adults experience similar symptoms, including
- Concussions in kids are increasing, but not for the reason you think. Each year, emergency departments see over three-quarters of a million kids with traumatic brain injuries that include concussion, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- What youth sports have the most concussions? Concussions in sports are like people and money — some have more than others. The risk for concussion is highest with sports such as
Aug 16, 2018 · In this article, we look at the warning signs, what to do if you think a child has concussion, and we discuss treatment and recovery times. Concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury.
- Alison Fisher
Apr 7, 2024 · Children and teens may show or report one or more of the signs and symptoms listed below, or simply say they just “don’t feel right” after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body. Seek immediate emergency medical care if your child has any concussion danger signs.
Apr 12, 2024 · Concussion is one of the most common injuries to the brain, affecting about two million children and teens every year. Understanding signs, symptoms, questions to ask, and how concussion care has changed in recent years can make a difference in identifying concussion and recovery.
Jan 12, 2024 · Symptoms in children. Concussions can be hard to recognize in infants and toddlers because they can't describe how they feel. Concussion clues may include: Dazed appearance. Listlessness and tiring easily. Irritability and crankiness. Loss of balance and unsteady walking. Excessive crying. Change in eating or sleeping patterns.
