Looking after a child with a potential concussion can be intimidating, but with proper care, most children recover well.

Recognize Warning Signs

Be alert for any signs of danger. If your child shows any, do not hesitate to contact 911 or visit the emergency department immediately.

Observe for symptoms and signs. In the absence of danger signals, monitor changes in behavior or emotional state closely.

Stay vigilant and communicate any changes to their healthcare provider.

Additional Information:

• Signs of danger can include difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden weakness or numbness, severe headache, confusion, or loss of consciousness.
• Other warning signs may include increased agitation, changes in appetite, trouble sleeping, or persistent negative thoughts.
• It’s important to trust your instincts and seek help if you are concerned about your child’s well-being.

Seek Medical Assistance

A child suspected of having a concussion should be evaluated by a healthcare provider who can diagnose and provide appropriate treatment.

Share relevant information about the injury, any loss of consciousness, seizures, and prior concussions.

Tests will be conducted to assess for a concussion and evaluate memory and learning abilities.

Adhere to post-injury recovery instructions carefully.

Implement Short-Term Changes

Concussion symptoms can disrupt daily routines. Make temporary adjustments to aid your child in returning to their normal activities gradually without overexertion.

Initiate light physical activities while refraining from participating in sports.

Regarding school return, most children can resume within 1-2 days, as delaying might prolong recovery.

Understanding Recovery Process

The majority of children recover within 2-4 weeks, though a few may experience persistent symptoms. Follow up with a healthcare provider if necessary.

Monitor your child’s well-being and offer support while seeking assistance when needed.

Returning to sports should only occur with medical approval and following a step-by-step procedure.

Be Aware of Long-Term Symptoms

Monitor for any new, ongoing, or worsening symptoms. Consult a specialist if symptoms persist beyond 2-4 weeks or if there are complicating factors. Some long-term symptoms to watch out for include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Persistent headaches
• Joint pain
• Memory problems
• Mood changes

It’s important to pay attention to your body and seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms for an extended period of time. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes in the long run.

Helpful Tips for Concussion Recovery:

Do’s

• Monitor symptoms and contact healthcare provider if necessary.
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
• Stay connected with family and friends.
• Encourage light physical activity.
• Avoid sports until cleared by a healthcare provider.
• Support individual recovery efforts.

Don’ts

• Ignore danger signs or worsening symptoms.
• Avert sleeping.
• Avoid administering medication to induce sleep or for other purposes without consulting a doctor.
• Prevent isolation in a dark room or away from others during recovery.
• Discourage prolonged bed rest or couch confinement.
• Stop your child from engaging in sports on the same day as a concussion.
• Avoid hurrying the recovery process or expecting specific outcomes.

Seeking Support During Recovery

Receiving help from various organizations can ease the burden of supporting your child during the recovery phase. You don’t have to face it alone. Inform your healthcare provider if your child’s condition does not improve.

Explore resources in “Where to Get Help” to access assistance tailored to children with brain injuries and their families.

Parents often worry about head injuries occurring at various stages of their child’s life. While some injuries are minor and do not demand immediate medical attention, the risk of a more severe head injury grows as children age.

In 2020, the CDC reported that 6.8% of children exhibited symptoms of a concussion or brain injury, with percentages varying across age groups, peaking in teenagers.

According to Dr. Julie Wilson, head injuries can incite fear, especially if a child exhibits unusual behavior post-incident. Identifying the type of injury and recognizing when to seek assistance is crucial for parents and caregivers.

It’s important to monitor your child’s symptoms closely and seek medical help if you notice any concerning changes. Remember, early intervention can make a significant difference in the recovery process.

Preventing Head Injuries

While accidents can happen, there are measures parents can take to reduce the risk of head injuries in children. Some preventive strategies include:

• Ensuring children wear helmets when biking, skating, or participating in contact sports.
• Childproofing the home to prevent falls and accidents.
• Teaching children how to play safely and avoid risky behaviors.
• Supervising children during playtime to prevent injuries.

Seeking Medical Help

If your child experiences a head injury, it’s crucial to seek medical help if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Loss of consciousness
• Persistent headache
• Vomiting
• Confusion or disorientation
• Difficulty walking or speaking

Do not hesitate to contact a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your child’s head injury.

Recovery and Follow-Up Care

After a head injury, it’s essential to monitor your child’s recovery and follow any instructions provided by healthcare professionals. Follow-up appointments may be necessary to ensure the injury is healing properly and to address any lingering symptoms.

Remember, prompt attention and appropriate care are key in managing pediatric head injuries. By understanding the signs, seeking medical help when needed, and taking preventive measures, you can help protect your child’s health and well-being.

Attending to Head Injuries

Head injuries can evoke anxiety, so a cautious approach is prudent. Immediate medical attention may not always be required if the child is responsive and alert. Categorizing injuries by severity aids in determining subsequent steps.

Dr. Wilson offers guidance on when to seek care for a pediatric head injury:

• Contact your pediatrician if the child:
  • Did not experience loss of consciousness
  • Is aware of their surroundings
  • Can respond to questions
• Or if the child:
  • Had a brief loss of consciousness
  • Is alert upon awakening
  • Experiences uncontrollable head bleeding
  • Exhibits signs of a facial or skull fracture

For infants with head injuries, seek immediate assessment due to limited communication abilities.

Preventing Head Injuries

Falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and child abuse are common causes of head injuries in children. While not all head injuries can be prevented, precautions can mitigate risks:

• Home safety measures:
  • Secure furniture and windows
  • Install safety gates
  • Anchor large furniture
  • Avoid leaving infants on elevated surfaces
• Ensure proper use of car seats
• Provide adequate head protection for sports activities

Assessing Head Injury Severity

Head injury severity hinges on various factors. Consider the child’s age, activity during the injury, and other contexts. Parents should trust their intuition and seek care if uncertain.

• Factors to contemplate:
• Child’s age
• Nature of the injury
• Velocity involved
• Presence of safety precautions like helmets

If in doubt, seeking medical evaluation is acceptable for peace of mind. Parental instinct plays a pivotal role in detecting potential issues.