Concussion In Children: Signs, Symptoms, And Treatment

As a parent, nothing is more frightening than seeing your child get hurt, especially when it involves a head injury. Concussions can be scary, leaving you wondering whether you should rush to the ER, monitor them at home, or seek urgent care. Understanding what to look for and how to act can help ease some of the anxiety and ensure your child gets the right care quickly and safely.

Whether your child has taken a tumble on the playground, collided during a soccer game, or had an unfortunate accident at home, it’s essential to know the signs and symptoms of a concussion. Recognizing them early can prevent complications and ensure your child is on the path to recovery. At TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, we’re here to help you navigate these tough moments with expert care, so you don’t have to face it alone.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when a blow or jolt to the head disrupts the normal function of the brain. In children, concussions are particularly concerning because their brains are still developing. A child doesn’t need to lose consciousness to have a concussion, which is why many head injuries might go unnoticed if parents or caregivers aren’t familiar with the symptoms.

Concussions typically happen during sports activities, falls, or accidents, making them common among children who are constantly on the move. Although most concussions are mild, without proper treatment, even a minor concussion can have lasting effects. The key to helping your child recover is understanding the warning signs and knowing when to seek professional help.

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion in Children

Children might not always be able to tell you how they’re feeling, especially younger kids, which makes recognizing the signs of a concussion even more important for parents. Concussion symptoms in children can be physical, cognitive, emotional, or even sleep-related, and they don’t always show up immediately. Here’s what to look for:

Physical Symptoms:

• Headache: One of the most common signs of a concussion. If your child complains of a headache after a head injury, it’s a red flag.
• Nausea or Vomiting: This can occur right after the injury or later.
• Dizziness or Balance Problems: If your child seems wobbly or unsteady, take it seriously.
• Sensitivity to Light or Noise: Sudden sensitivity to normal stimuli can indicate a concussion.
• Fatigue: If your child feels unusually tired after the injury, monitor them closely.

Cognitive Symptoms:

• Confusion: Your child may appear dazed or unsure of where they are or what happened.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing or paying attention is another key sign.
• Memory Problems: Your child might have trouble remembering what happened before or after the injury.
• Slow Responses: If your child is slower than usual to respond to questions or tasks, this could signal a concussion.

Emotional Symptoms:

• Irritability: Sudden mood swings or increased irritability can be a sign of a concussion.
• Sadness or Anxiety: A concussion can sometimes affect your child’s emotions, making them feel sad or anxious without an obvious reason.

Sleep-Related Symptoms:

• Sleeping More or Less Than Usual: Changes in sleep patterns after a head injury should not be ignored.
• Trouble Falling Asleep: If your child suddenly has difficulty falling or staying asleep, this could be related to the injury.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While some mild concussions can be managed at home with rest, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. If your child shows any of the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention:

• Loss of Consciousness: Even for a brief moment.
• Repeated Vomiting: This could indicate a more serious injury.
• Seizures: Any seizure activity is a medical emergency.
• Worsening Headache: If your child’s headache keeps getting worse, this could be a sign of something more serious.
• Weakness or Numbness: Particularly if it affects one side of the body.
• Slurred Speech: Difficulty speaking or slurring words is a red flag.
• Unusual Behavior: If your child seems confused, agitated, or just not themselves, trust your instincts and get them checked out.

At TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, we specialize in treating concussions and can evaluate your child’s condition with care and expertise. With over 20 locations throughout the Greater Tampa Area, we’re here to help 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Treatment and Recovery

The treatment for a concussion primarily involves rest and gradually returning to normal activities under medical supervision. Here’s how recovery typically looks:

Rest Is Essential

The most important part of concussion treatment is rest, both physical and mental. This means avoiding sports, physical activity, and even screen time until cleared by a doctor. Rest allows the brain to heal and reduces the risk of further injury.

Gradual Return to Activities

Once your child is symptom-free, they can begin a gradual return to normal activities, but it’s crucial to follow a doctor’s advice. Returning to school or sports too quickly can slow recovery or increase the risk of another concussion.

Monitoring Symptoms

After a concussion, it’s important to monitor your child for several days, as symptoms can sometimes appear later. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, seek medical help immediately.

Follow-Up Care

Follow-up visits are often necessary to ensure your child is recovering properly. At TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, we can help you manage your child’s recovery and provide referrals for further care if needed.

Preventing Future Concussions

While you can’t always prevent accidents, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of future concussions for your child:

• Ensure Proper Use of Helmets: If your child plays sports or rides a bike, always make sure they wear a helmet that fits properly.
• Teach Safe Play: Encourage your child to play safely and follow the rules of their sport.
• Keep Your Home Safe: Remove tripping hazards and make sure your home is safe for your child to move around in.
• Supervise Physical Activities: Keep an eye on your child during playtime, especially during high-risk activities like climbing or playing contact sports.

How TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track Can Help With Concussion Care

At TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, we understand the anxiety that comes with a head injury, especially when it involves your child. We provide expert care and guidance to help you manage concussions and ensure your child’s full recovery. With 20+ locations in the Greater Tampa Area, we’re here to assist you every day of the week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

We also offer the On My Way System, which allows you to fill out forms electronically for an expedited check-in, so you can get the care you need without the long wait. If your child has sustained a head injury and you’re not sure what to do, we’re ready to help with fast, compassionate care.