August 2025

When kids watch someone getting a bump or blow to the head on cartoons, they may LOL. But when this happens in real life, it’s a serious matter.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of children and teens get a concussion, according to the National Institutes of Health. Doctors are still studying the long-term effects of childhood concussions. However, there are some things parents, guardians, and caregivers should know so they can help their child’s brain heal.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury, or TBI, caused by a blow or bump to the head. This can occur during play, sports, or in the event of an accident, such as a fall or car crash.

During a concussion, your child’s brain bounces inside their skull, causing chemical changes in the brain. For a time, this can affect how the brain works.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can get a concussion, but children under the age of four are more likely to get a concussion, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Concussions are also common during the teen years.

According to the Centers for Disease Control Heads Up, children who participate in contact sports (boys’ tackle football, ice hockey, and wrestling, and girls’ soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey) have an increased risk of concussion. Boys have twice the rate of emergency department visits for sports- and recreation-related concussions and TBI than girls.

Many kids also end up in the ER with a concussion from bicycling and playground activities. All-terrain vehicle (ATV) crashes can also cause concussion and TBI.

What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?

According to the NIH, it’s a myth that you need to black out or lose consciousness to have a concussion, though it can happen. Common signs and symptoms of concussion include:

• Appearing dazed or stunned.
• Blurred vision.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea.
• Sensitivity to light or sound.
• Vomiting.

Sometimes, a concussion may not cause symptoms right away. Your child may not have symptoms until hours, days, or weeks later. Post- concussion symptoms may include:

• Headaches or head pressure.
• Mood, behavior, or personality changes.
• Feeling “off” or depressed.
• Feeling sluggish, foggy, or groggy.
• Dizziness or balance problems.
• Memory problems, including not remembering the time before or after the injury.
• Confusion or problems concentrating.
• Trouble with schoolwork.
• Problems sleeping — either sleeping more or less than before.
• Vision changes, including double or blurry vision.

When to get emergency help?

Get medical help right away if your child has any of the following symptoms after a bump or blow to the head:

• Difficulty recognizing people or places.
• Extreme drowsiness or inability to be awakened.
• A headache that gets worse and doesn’t go away.
• Increased agitation, confusion, or restlessness.
• Loss of consciousness, no matter how brief.
• One eye pupil is larger than the other.
• Repeated nausea or vomiting.
• Seizures or convulsions.
• Slurred speech.
• Unusual behavior.
• Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination.

Babies who have hit their heads also need to see a doctor if they can’t stop crying, cannot be consoled, or will not nurse or eat.

What should you do if your child gets a concussion?

If your child gets a concussion, follow these steps right after it happens:

• Remove them from play, sport, or other activities that caused the concussion.
• If they have any concussion warning signs, seek medical help right away.
• Keep them out of the sport the same day and until a healthcare provider clears them.

How do doctors diagnose a concussion?

Doctors will perform a physical exam and ask your child questions about how they are feeling to diagnose a concussion. According to the AAP, most children will not need an imaging test.

What is concussion treatment and recovery?

Physical and mental rest for two to three days after is the main concussion treatment. Keep your child off screens for the first 48 hours. That means no smartphone, tablet, computer, or TV. It helps symptoms improve faster, according to a report in the Journal of Family Practice.

Monitor your child for new or worsening symptoms. You don’t need to wake them every few hours — that’s a myth, too.

Your child may need to miss school for a few days. They can return once they can handle about 40 minutes of activity without needing a break. If your child plays a sport, their doctor will help you determine the best back-to-sport protocol.

Most children recover from a concussion within one month, according to the AAP. Some 30% continue to have symptoms for longer. Follow up with your child’s doctor if symptoms don’t improve.