Concussion Symptoms in Kids

Understanding concussion symptoms in children is crucial for parents, coaches, and caregivers. This article will cover what a concussion is, its symptoms, steps to take if you suspect a concussion, treatment, and when it’s safe for a child to return to sports.

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What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when a blow or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. It can result from sports, falls, or other incidents involving head impact.

While often labeled “mild,” concussions can have serious consequences if not managed properly. Symptoms can vary widely, affecting physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. Timely recognition and care are essential to prevent complications.

What Are the Symptoms of a Concussion?

Recognizing symptoms promptly can aid in effective disease control and recovery. Common concussion symptoms may appear immediately or develop later:

Physical Symptoms: Headache, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or noise, and balance problems. Some children may briefly lose consciousness or experience a ringing sound in their ears.
Cognitive Symptoms: Trouble concentrating, confusion, memory difficulties, and slower response times.
Emotional Symptoms: Irritability, sadness, nervousness, or mood swings.
Sleep Disturbances: Changes in sleep patterns, including trouble falling asleep or feeling overly fatigued.

If symptoms worsen or new signs appear, consult an appropriate healthcare provider experienced in mild traumatic brain injuries to avoid further complications.

What Should I Do If I Suspect My Child Has a Concussion?

If a child shows signs of a possible concussion, follow these steps:

Remove them from activities: Whether it’s sports or play, stop any physical activities to prevent further injury. Rest is essential for recovery.
Monitor symptoms: Keep track of your child’s symptoms, noting any worsening or changes.
Seek medical evaluation: Call us to assess the injury’s severity and recommend a treatment plan.

How to Test for a Concussion

Concussion testing involves evaluating the severity of the head injury. A healthcare professional will review the child’s symptoms, conduct physical and cognitive tests, and may also assess vision and balance:

Neurological exam: This evaluates reflexes, muscle strength, coordination, and sensation to detect nervous system changes.
Cognitive tests: These measure memory, attention, and concentration to identify any alterations in brain function after the injury.
Imaging tests: While not always necessary, imaging like a CT scan or MRI may be used if symptoms worsen, such as prolonged unconsciousness or severe headaches, to rule out other traumatic brain injuries.

These concussion tests help ensure the child gets the appropriate care and rest needed for proper recovery.

How is a Concussion Treated?

Concussion treatment involves physical and mental rest to allow the brain to heal. Here’s what to expect:

Rest: Limit physical activities and reduce screen time. Mental rest is also important.
Gradual return to activities: Slowly reintroduce normal tasks under the guidance of a healthcare provider to ensure symptoms do not worsen.
Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relief may help with headaches. Always consult a provider before administering any medication.

Close monitoring by a healthcare professional ensures symptoms improve steadily and that further complications are avoided.

Recovery

Recovery from pediatric concussions varies, with most children improving within a few weeks. However, symptoms may persist in some cases, requiring ongoing evaluation and adjustments to activity levels.

Following healthcare advice closely supports a complete and safe recovery. Encouraging your child to report any lingering symptoms, such as headaches or difficulty concentrating, helps prevent setbacks.

When Can My Child Go Back to Playing Sports After a Concussion?

Returning to sports should be gradual and supervised by a healthcare professional:

Symptom-free at rest: Your child should be free of symptoms for at least 24-48 hours before resuming any activities.
Light aerobic activity: Start with light exercise like walking to increase heart rate.
Sport-specific exercises: Add activities related to the sport, but avoid contact.
Non-contact training drills: Increase intensity without full contact.
Full contact practice: Only after being cleared by a healthcare provider.
Return to play: Once all steps are completed without symptoms, your child can fully return to sports.

Skipping steps or rushing this process can significantly increase the risk of further injury, potentially leading to more severe long-term effects.

Helping Your Child Recover Safely

A concussion requires careful management and timely intervention. If you suspect your child has experienced a concussion, trust the experts at Pediatric Associates of Austin. Our specialists provide comprehensive care, guiding parents through every step of the recovery process and ensuring that your child receives personalized, high-quality treatment. Learn more about other injuries with us.

Contact us today at our office in Austin, TX, to schedule an appointment and ensure your child gets the best care for a safe and thorough recovery!

Medically reviewed by Emily Woodard

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