Spotting a Concussion: Symptoms and Support for Your Child

Knowing that your child has taken a hit to the head can be terrifying. It can also be a time of confusion, as you wonder, "Are they okay?" "What should I be looking for?" "What do I do now?"

Concussions are a common injury, especially in sports and active play. Knowing the right steps to take immediately after makes a difference in your child's health and recovery. Keep reading to learn what a concussion is, the signs and symptoms to watch for and the actions you need to take to ensure your child gets the proper care and support they need.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a head injury caused by a sudden jolt or blow to the head. These injuries cause temporary changes in the brain, such as memory problems, confusion and problems with speech or balance. 

Concussions are common in sports, particularly football, soccer, lacrosse and basketball. Surprisingly, athletes who experience a concussion may not always have noticeable symptoms. While many people think concussions cause people to black out, the reality is that most people who get a concussion don't lose consciousness. You also might not see any obvious signs of injury, like bleeding or a cut, which can make concussions hard to detect.

Know the Signs

If you think your child has a concussion, they should get medical treatment right away. Getting help sooner can speed up their recovery.

Concussions can have a range of symptoms. Watch out for these symptoms after a blow to the head: 

Confusion, trouble concentrating and memory loss

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Ringing in the ears
• Sensitivity to light and noise

Knowing the symptoms can help you quickly follow concussion protocols, which are expert-guided steps you should take after a concussion. Concussion protocols are especially important for athletes who have a high risk of repeated blows to the head. One potential complication associated with concussions is second impact syndrome (SIS). This can happen when an athlete gets a second concussion before the first one has completely healed. It causes rapid and dangerous brain swelling that can be deadly.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many severe brain injuries happen because athletes go back to playing too soon—before their brain has completely healed. This is why there’s a need for rules and protocols to make sure athletes fully recover and stay safe.

Long-term Effects of a Concussion

Repeated concussions, especially if one happens before a previous concussion heals, can increase the risk of more severe and lasting neurological problems. These include a higher risk for certain neurodegenerative diseases like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This disease involves a buildup of an abnormal protein called tau in the brain, which can lead to the death of nerve cells.

Concussions may also lead to:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Parkinson’s disease

Diagnosis and Care

The first step is recognizing when a concussion has happened. After an athlete is injured and shows signs of a concussion, a healthcare provider needs to do a thorough examination to reach a concussion diagnosis. The healthcare provider will typically perform a physical exam, ask about symptoms, and use tests to assess learning, memory, attention and problem-solving skills.

Monitoring Your Child at Home

It’s not uncommon for concussion symptoms to appear days or weeks later. After an injury, monitor your child for symptoms that require immediate medical care, such as loss of consciousness, seizures or differences in pupil size.

Recovery

For the first one to two days, the focus should be on rest, which includes limiting screen time and avoiding physically or mentally difficult activities. 

Most students can return to class within a day or two. Schools can provide support like breaks or extra time on tests.

Athletes who experience a concussion should never return to play on the same day the injury occurs. Their return to a sport must be gradual and supervised by a doctor. It involves a series of steps to ensure the person fully recovers before they start playing again.

The Role of Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Specialists

Each concussion is unique. Sports medicine and orthopedic specialists help create treatment and recovery plans specific to individual athletes. They are responsible for diagnosing concussions, guiding athletes through recovery and ensuring they safely return to sports based on a thorough medical examination and monitoring of symptoms. 

In addition to healthcare providers, everyone involved in youth sports should be educated about concussions. Athletes, coaches and parents need to be aware of concussion signs and symptoms, the risks of returning to play too soon, and the importance of getting medical care. Programs like the CDC's HEADS UP campaign aim to help people recognize, respond to and minimize the risk of concussion.

How to Help Prevent a Concussion

Concussion prevention starts with making sure everyone, including coaches, parents and athletes, understands the risks. Proper coaching that teaches athletes to avoid head-to-head contact is also important. This, along with enforcing rules that punish dangerous plays, can help keep athletes safe.

To help prevent concussions, follow these tips:

• Follow safety rules in all sports activities.
• Make sure athletes wear American Society for Testing and Materials-approved helmets and protective headgear for their specific sport, whether football, cycling, hockey or other activity. Helmets must fit properly to be effective.
• Properly supervise younger children to ensure they use age-appropriate equipment.
• Replace damaged sporting equipment.

Long-Term Health Is Better Than Short-Term Wins

Concussion protocols are essential for keeping athletes safe. By following strict guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and return to play—all with the help of medical experts—you can significantly lower the risks that come with concussions. Ultimately, protecting an athlete's brain isn't just about winning games, it's about making sure they have a healthy life long after the season ends.

Need expert care for a concussion? Find a doctor today.