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Concussions & Children

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.

The leading causes of concussion seen in emergency departments are falls, assaults, playing sports, motor vehicle-related injuries and being struck by or against an obstacle

You can’t see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away.

Danger Signs

Be alert for symptoms that worsen over time. A child exhibiting these symptoms should be seen in an emergency department right away:

  • One pupil (the black part in the middle of the eye) larger than the other
  • Drowsiness or cannot be awakened
  • A headache that gets worse and does not go away
  • Weakness, numbness or decreased coordination
  • Repeated vomiting or nausea
  • Slurred speech
  • Convulsions or seizures
  • Difficulty recognizing people or places
  • Increasing confusion, restlessness, or agitation
  • Unusual behavior
  • Loss of consciousness; even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously

Very young children (infants, toddlers and preschoolers) often bump and bruise their heads. This can happen as a result of motor vehicle crashes, falls, getting hit in the head with a ball or toy, or from tricycle/bike accidents. Sometimes these events can be serious and result in a concussion. Shaken baby syndrome, a severe form of physical child abuse resulting from violently shaking an infant by the shoulders, arms, or legs can also cause a concussion or a more severe brain injury.

Tips for Healing

Parents and caregivers of children who have had a concussion can help them recover by taking an active role in their recovery and:

  • Having the child get plenty of rest. Keep a regular sleep schedule, including no late nights and no sleepovers.
  • Making sure the child avoids high-risk/ high-speed activities such as riding a bicycle, playing sports, or climbing playground equipment, roller coasters or rides that could result in a second bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body. Children should not return to these types of activities until the doctor says they are well enough.
  • Giving the child only those drugs that are approved by the pediatrician or family physician.
  • Talking with the doctor about when the child should return to school and other activities and how the parent or caregiver can help the child deal with the challenges that the child may face. For example, your child may need to spend fewer hours at school, rest often, or require more time to take tests.
  • Sharing information about concussion with parents, siblings, teachers, counselors, babysitters, coaches and others who interact with the child helps them understand what has happened and how to meet the child’s needs.