Concussion Facts
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.
This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells. These changes in the brain lead to symptoms that may affect how a child thinks, learns, feels, acts, and sleeps. Symptoms are usually most severe right after the injury.
Concussions should be taken seriously because they can produce changes in a child's brain, body, and behavior. Most children with a concussion feel better within 2 to 4 weeks. However, some have symptoms that effect their behavior, mood, memory, or emotions for months or longer. Symptoms that stay around can affect children as they grow up and even through adulthood.
Concussion symptoms can make it hard to do regular activities at home and school. Having a history of previous concussions or experiencing more severe symptoms right after the concussion increases the chance that a child will have a longer recovery. A child with multiple concussions also has a greater chance of experiencing chronic health problems later on.
Signs & Symptoms
Keep in mind that concussion signs and symptoms may not show up right away—they may take hours or days to appear or be noticed.
- Appearing dazed, stunned, or confused about recent events
- Sudden difficulty remembering or concentrating, especially on topics or activities that would otherwise hold their attention
- Answering questions more slowly than usual
- Appearing more clumsy than usual, seeming unsteady on their feet
- Vomiting right after the injury without other causes, such as a virus
- Suddenly slowed reaction times
Concussion Danger Signs
It can be hard to tell the difference between a possible concussion and a more life-threatening brain injury. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department if you notice any of the following danger signs following a bump, blow, or jolt to the head:
- Convulsions or seizures (shaking or twitching)
- Not able to recognize people or places
- Repeated nausea or vomiting
- Unusual behavior, increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation
- Loss of consciousness with increasing drowsiness, inability to wake up, or inability to stay awake
- Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
- A headache that gets worse and does not go away
- One pupil larger than the other or double vision
Within 1 Hour
*Watch for any concussion danger signs*
If your child experiences any concussion danger signs call 911 or go to the emergency department right away.
*Monitor for concussion signs and symptoms*
If your child is not experiencing concussion danger signs, monitor them for concussion signs and symptoms. Symptoms of concussion are often most severe right after the injury. However, some concussion signs and symptoms may not appear or be noticed for hours or days.
You know what's normal for your child and what's not. Monitor them regularly and watch for changes in how they act or feel and share this information with their health care provider.
Within 24-48 Hours
*Get medical care*
A child with a possible concussion needs to be seen by a health care provider. A health care provider can tell them if they have a concussion.
*What to tell your child's health care provider*
Be sure to tell the child's health care provider if they are taking medications—prescription, over-the-counter medicines, or natural remedies. When possible, share the following information:
- Cause of the injury and force of the hit or blow to the head or body
- Any loss of consciousness (passed out/knocked out) and if so, for how long
- Any memory loss right after the injury
- Any seizures right after the injury
- Number of previous concussions (if any)
*Tests for concussion and brain injury*
Health care providers check a child for a concussion by doing a physical exam and asking about their concussion symptoms. Your child may also need tests to help assess the child's learning and memory skills, the ability to pay attention or concentrate, and how quickly they can think and solve problems. These tests can help the child's health care provider identify the effects of the concussion. Most children will not need to get a scan of their brain (CT or MRI scan) after a concussion.