Kids and Concussions: What Parents Should Know
Concussions are one of those injuries that seem invisible: no cast, no stitches, no visible bruising. But beneath the surface, a concussion can disrupt a child’s ability to think, feel and function.
With youth sports growing more competitive, and with many kids spending a lot of time on scooters and skateboards, I encourage parents to learn to recognize the signs of concussions so they can get help for their kids if they suffer a blow to the head.
What Is a Concussion?
The brain is a soft, delicate organ, floating in cerebrospinal fluid inside a hard, protective skull. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain is shaken and crashes into the skull, usually either from a hit to the head or a blow to the body that shakes the brain. A concussion can affect the way the brain works.
How Do Kids Get Concussions?
The most common culprits? Sports. Football leads the pack. Kids can also get concussions by playing basketball, soccer, lacrosse or even cheerleading.
Other causes of concussions include:
- Biking and skateboarding without helmets
- Riding electric scooters (a rising trend among tweens and teens)
- Toddlers falling while learning to walk
- Car accidents
Most concussion cases in kids occur in children ages 8 and older – the age where many kids start participating in organized sports.
Symptoms of a Concussion
If your child says they got hit in the head, what should you do as a parent? Look for these symptoms of a concussion:
- Persistent headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Blurry vision or sensitivity to light
- Difficulty walking or feeling off balance
- Sensitivity to noise
- Vomiting (especially repeated)
- Loss of consciousness, even briefly
If any of these symptoms appear, reach out to your pediatrician or visit urgent care right away. If the child is vomiting repeatedly, has unequal pupils or has lost consciousness, go to the emergency room.
Note that while many symptoms of a concussion develop immediately (within 1-2 days), others, such as memory problems, sleep problems and emotional changes, can occur later.
Diagnosing a Concussion
In many cases, doctors can diagnose concussions based on the patient’s history of what happened, a review of symptoms and a physical exam. A head CT is usually reserved for more severe cases, such as when we are concerned about bleeding in the brain or skull fractures.
Recovery from a Concussion
Ice packs can help with head pain. Talk to the doctor about whether over-the-counter pain-reliving medications may also be helpful.
During the first 24 to 48 hours, patients with concussions need to rest and sleep. That includes taking a break from activities that require concentration. They also need to take a break from stimulation and avoid sports and screens (the light can be disturbing). Most kids benefit from staying home from school for a couple of day.
After a few days, kids can begin a gradual return to school and activity. Your child’s doctor will have advice on how to ease back in.
If symptoms return, more rest is encouraged. Talk to your child’s doctor about when your child can return to sports.
Most kids recover from concussions within a few weeks. But some experience post-concussive syndrome, where symptoms linger for months. Some kids may develop new symptoms, so keep a close eye on your child.
Kids who don’t follow the recovery plan – such as returning to sports too soon – are at higher risk for prolonged symptoms or repeat concussions. Repeat concussions can lead to more severe problems, including behavioral changes, cognitive impairment and increased risk of other brain injuries.
Bottom line: Follow your doctor’s directions for return to activity very carefully.
Preventing Concussions: What Parents Can Do
Parents play a critical role in recognizing and managing concussions in children. Because concussions often don’t have visible signs, it’s usually up to parents to notice subtle changes in their child’s behavior or physical symptoms. Being informed and vigilant can make a big difference in timely diagnosis and recovery.Educating themselves on concussion risks and the importance of rest and recovery allows parents to advocate effectively for their child’s health – whether communicating with coaches, teachers, or healthcare providers. Awareness and prompt action from parents can make a significant difference in a child’s recovery and long-term well-being. While not every concussion is avoidable, there are steps parents can take to reduce risk:• Make your home toddler-proof to prevent falls
- Insist on helmets for biking, skateboarding and scooters
- Ensure proper gear and technique in sports
- Talk to coaches about safe play and concussion protocols
- Watch for coaches who pressure kids to tough it out and talk to the coach if you are concerned about their approach
- Educate kids on the importance of telling their coach or parent about head injuries right away
- Wear a seat belt in the car
As scary as a concussion may seem, most kids recuperate quickly with no long-term problems. But seeking medical care at the first signs of a head injury are important, so feel comfortable reaching out to your child’s doctor with any concerns.
Resources For Parents
Kaiser Permanente
Returning to Play After a Head Injury During a Sporting Event
American Academy of Pediatrics
Sports-related concussions – Understanding the risks, signs and symptoms
After a Concussion: When to Return to School
My Doctor Online
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Featured Author
Dr Milbin's biography reads:
I became a pediatrician because I believe that in pediatrics, we have the unique role of watching a child grow right before our eyes. And we play an important role not only in their physical health, but also mentally, and we try to support the parents in the best way we can so that each child can be the best version of themselves when they grow up.
I personally always try to include the whole family into the care of the child, which is extremely important.
I decided to join the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group because I believe in their mission to provide the best care possible to every patient. In the field of pediatrics, taking of children takes a team; and this medical group empowers every physician with the ability to access an amazing team of doctors from various specialties, nurses and support staff in order to provide the best care for each child.
Read more at: https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/mas/providers/samuelmilbin Disclaimer: If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder. This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.