Caring for Your Child’s Concussion

Your child was seen today for a concussion. Use this article to help you watch for changes in how your child is feeling or acting, and to help your child feel better.

How will my child feel?

Concussion symptoms may appear during the normal healing process, and will generally improve over time. Most people with a concussion feel better within a couple of weeks. Some symptoms may appear right away, while other symptoms may not appear for hours or days after the injury. Your child may not realize they have some symptoms until they try to do their usual activities. You may notice changes before your child does. If there are any symptoms that concern you, or are getting worse, your child may need immediate care. Be sure to talk with your child’s doctor.

Here are symptoms your child may have:

Physical

• Bothered by light or noise
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Feeling tired, no energy
• Headaches
• Nausea or vomiting (early on)
• Vision problems

Thinking or remembering

• Attention or concentration problems
• Feeling slowed down
• Foggy or groggy
• Problems with short- or long-term memory
• Trouble thinking clearly

Social or emotional

• Anxiety or nervousness
• Irritability or easily angered
• Feeling more emotional
• Sadness

Sleep

• Sleeping less than usual
• Sleeping more than usual
• Trouble falling asleep

What steps can I take to help my child feel better?

Right after the injury:

Take it easy the first few days after the injury when symptoms are more severe.

• Early on, limit physical and cognitive (thinking or remembering) activities to avoid causing symptoms to worsen.
• Get a good night’s sleep, and take naps during the day as needed.
• Find relaxing activities at home (such as reading, drawing, and playing with toys). Avoid activities that put your child at risk for another injury to the head and brain throughout the course or recovery.

Within a few days:

As your child starts to feel better (and within a few days after the injury), he or she can gradually return to regular (non-strenuous) activities.

• Return to school gradually. If symptoms do not worsen during an activity, then this activity is OK for your child. If symptoms worsen, cut back on that activity until it is tolerated.
• Encourage outside time, such as taking short walks.
• Get maximum nighttime sleep. Tips: Avoid screen time and loud music before bed, sleep in a dark room, and keep to a fixed bedtime and wake up schedule.
• Reduce daytime naps, or return to a regular daytime nap schedule (as appropriate for their age).

When symptoms are nearly gone:

When symptoms are mild and nearly gone, return to most regular activities.

• Have your child take breaks if their concussion symptoms worsen.
• Return to a regular school schedule.
• Encourage outside time, such as taking a walk or short bike ride and playground time.

Back to regular non-sports activities:

Recovery from a concussion is when your child is able to do all of their regular activities without experiencing any concussion symptoms.

• If you notice any changes or a return of symptoms, be sure to contact your child’s doctor.
• With the OK from their doctor, your child may begin a return to sports process. Be sure to ask for instructions and share this information with your child’s coach and athletic trainer (when available).

Other tips

• Ask your child’s doctor about over-the-counter or prescription medications that are safe to take during recovery to help with symptoms (for example, ibuprofen or acetaminophen for headaches).
• Limit the number of soft drinks or caffeinated items to help your child get enough rest.

When can my child return to school?

Your child may need to take a short time off from school (or work, if relevant). Ask the doctor for written instructions about when your child can safely return to school, work, and other activities, such as riding a bike or driving a car.

For a short time after a concussion, your child may need support, such as:

• Rest breaks
• Fewer hours at school or work
• More time to take tests or complete tasks
• Less screen time and time spent reading and writing

When can my child return to sports and recreational activities?

Your child should not return to sports and recreational activities:

• On the same day of the injury. AND
• Until they get the OK from a doctor with experience evaluating concussion.

Ask your child’s doctor for written instructions about when your child can safely return to sports. Getting approval from a doctor to return to play is important since playing with a concussion may slow recovery. A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain has fully healed can increase the chance for long-term problems.

While rare, teens are at greater risk of suffering a severe brain injury when a repeat concussion occurs before the brain has fully healed. It can even be fatal.

Your child’s doctor should carefully manage and monitor the process of returning to sports and activities. When available, the athletic trainer for your child’s sports program or school should be involved.

What if I don't feel like my child is getting better?

If you do not feel like your child is getting better, talk with his or her doctor. Keep track of your child’s concussion symptoms, and share them with the doctor. This may help the doctor identify the best treatment for your child’s symptoms. You may also need to take your child to see a specialist experienced in treating brain injuries. Ask your child’s doctor for names of brain injury specialists in your area.

What are the signs of a more serious brain injury?

After you child's concussion, call 9-1-1 if your child develops:

• A headache that gets worse and does not go away
• Significant nausea or repeated vomiting
• Unusual behavior, increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation
• Drowsiness or inability to wake up
• Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
• Convulsions or seizures (shaking or twitching)
• Loss of consciousness (passing out)