Concussions in children: A parent’s guide
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain suddenly moves or bounces within the skull following a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body. In children, concussions require special attention and care because their developing brains are more vulnerable to injury and may take longer to heal.
Understanding childhood concussions
Children’s brains are uniquely susceptible to concussions because they:
- Are still developing and maturing
- Have weaker neck muscles than adults
- May experience more severe symptoms
- Often take longer to recover than adults
Common signs and symptoms
Parents should watch for:
- Physical symptoms:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Balance problems
- Cognitive changes:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Confusion
- Slower thinking
- Emotional/behavioral changes:
- Irritability
- Sadness
- Anxiety
- Changes in sleep patterns
- School-related signs:
- Trouble paying attention in class
- Difficulty completing assignments
- Lower grades
- Problems remembering new information
When to seek emergency care
Seek immediate medical attention if your child shows:
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe headache that worsens
- Repeated vomiting
- Seizures
- Increasing confusion
- Weakness or numbness in limbs
- Slurred speech
Recovery and return to activities
Recovery from a concussion requires a careful, step-by-step approach:
- Initial rest period (24-48 hours)
- Gradual return to light activities
- Progressive return to school
- Careful reintroduction of physical activities
- Full return to sports only when cleared by healthcare providers
Prevention strategies
Protect your child by:
- Ensuring proper use of protective equipment
- Teaching safe playing techniques
- Creating safe play environments
- Following sports safety guidelines
- Educating children about concussion awareness
School accommodations
Work with your child’s school to implement:
- Reduced workload
- Extended time for assignments
- Quiet study areas
- Rest breaks as needed
- Modified screen time
- Gradual return to full academic activities
How Brainsafe can help
Brainsafe provides comprehensive support for children with concussions through:
- Professional assessment of symptoms
- Individualized recovery plans
- Digital consultations with concussion experts
- Ongoing monitoring and guidance
- Support for safe return to school and activities
- Communication with schools and sports teams
Important notes:
- The child must be present during digital care meetings
- Only legal guardians can book consultations
- For severe head injuries, immediate emergency care is recommended
- Follow-up appointments may be necessary to monitor recovery
Remember, every child’s concussion experience is unique, and recovery times can vary significantly. Proper management and patience are essential for optimal recovery and preventing long-term complications.
Contact Brainsafe for expert guidance in managing your child’s concussion recovery journey. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support throughout the healing process.