What's a Concussion?

What’s a concussion and what should I do if I think my child has one? 

A concussion is the result of a head injury that causes a disturbance of brain function. 

Typically a concussion will result in confusion, “feeling foggy”, difficulty concentrating, poor balance and visual problems. There are other symptoms as well but these are the most typical symptoms. Concussion symptoms usually resolve within 3 days, occasionally last for a week, and rarely last longer than a week. Concussions are difficult to prevent but it is possible to limit the long term impact by recognizing and treating a concussion appropriately. 

What should I do? 

“When in doubt take them out!”

If you think your child has a concussion they should be removed from the activity and not allowed to return until they are seen by a doctor or medical professional. If your child has a concussion, their activity should be limited to resting until their symptoms fully resolve. That means no sports, no vigorous activity, no video games, and no loud music. 

What will your doctor do?

The vast majority of time your doctor will not order an MRI or CT scan as there is rarely any useful information revealed by these tests. If your child seems to be getting worse the doctor may order one of these tests, but this is rare.  Your doctor will do a series of tests of memory, concentration, and balance, which are performed in the office.  Once your child can pass these tests their concussion will be determined to be resolved. 

When can my child return to there sport? 

After your child fully recovers from their concussion your doctor will talk to you about “Graded Return to Play.” Essentially every 24 hours for 5 days, your doctor will advise you to gradually increase your child’s activity. If your child passes all these tests, your doctor will advise you that your child can return to full activity. 

Common Questions

1. Do I need to wake my child from sleep if I think they have a concussion? No, nothing will improve or change by waking your child and they will seem groggy when you wake them
2. What should I worry about? If you think your child is getting worse, they are more drowsy, weak, or having symptoms that don’t make sense to you, take your child to the Emergency Room or your doctor. These symptoms can rarely be assessed well by a doctor on the phone
3. What is the biggest mistake I can make? Letting your child return to play before your doctor says it’s okay. 
4. Is it okay to give my child Tylenol or Advil?-Yes, but before they return to play your doctor will want to make sure they are no longer taking these medications for their symptoms