Your child may have a concussion, which is a brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or body that changes the way the brain normally works. A concussion may occur with or without a loss of consciousness (getting "knocked out") and symptoms may change over time.
There is not a specific test to diagnose a concussion. If there is concern for other problems like a skull fracture or bleeding in the brain, an imaging study, such as a CT scan, may be ordered. These are usually not required and do not show if an athlete has had a concussion.
What to Expect in the Next Few Days or Weeks
• Younger athletes tend to require longer recovery times.
• You may notice that the athlete appears confused, unsteady, clumsy, slow to respond, irritable, sad, or easily frustrated.
• The athlete may complain of headaches, nausea, concentration or memory problems, balance problems, sleep problems, changes in vision, feeling in a "fog” sensitivity to light or noise, or confusion.
• Symptoms tend to get worse with mental activity (reading or doing homework), physical activity (even normal daily activities like going to school), or stimulation (watching a moving or sitting in a noisy lunchroom).
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY AT THE NEAREST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCUR:
• A headache that becomes more severe or does not improve with acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Increasing confusion
• Extreme sleepiness or trouble waking up
• Vomiting
• Seizures (convulsions - arms and legs jerk uncontrollably)
• Weak or numb arms or legs
• Slurred speech
• Any other sudden change in thinking or behavior
WHAT TO DO AT HOME
Things the athlete should "DO"
• Rest and avoid activity and sports until symptoms improve, see more information on back
• Slowly return to normal daily activities
• Sleep, no need to wake the athlete up every hour
• Address symptoms for comfort
• May take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for headaches
• May use an ice pack on the head and neck area as needed for comfort
Things the athlete should "NOT do"
• Take ibuprofen, naproxen or other nonsteroidal,
anti-inflammatory medications in the first 48 hours
• Drive
• Exercise or Lift weights
• Activities that worsen symptoms such as
• Watch TV, text or play games on smart phone or device
• Listen to loud music, loud conversations
• Attend sporting events or concerts
• Engage in heated or emotional discussions
When to Follow-Up
Unless otherwise directed or indicated, please schedule a follow-up appointment with your primary care provider. A referral to a sports medicine specialist may be made if symptoms continue or for assistance with return to play recommendations.
There is not a specific test to diagnose a concussion. If there is concern for other problems like a skull fracture or bleeding in the brain, an imaging study, such as a CT scan, may be ordered. These are usually not required and do not show if an athlete has had a concussion.
What to Expect in the Next Few Days or Weeks
• Younger athletes tend to require longer recovery times.
• You may notice that the athlete appears confused, unsteady, clumsy, slow to respond, irritable, sad, or easily frustrated.
• The athlete may complain of headaches, nausea, concentration or memory problems, balance problems, sleep problems, changes in vision, feeling in a "fog” sensitivity to light or noise, or confusion.
• Symptoms tend to get worse with mental activity (reading or doing homework), physical activity (even normal daily activities like going to school), or stimulation (watching a moving or sitting in a noisy lunchroom).
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY AT THE NEAREST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCUR:
• A headache that becomes more severe or does not improve with acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Increasing confusion
• Extreme sleepiness or trouble waking up
• Vomiting
• Seizures (convulsions - arms and legs jerk uncontrollably)
• Weak or numb arms or legs
• Slurred speech
• Any other sudden change in thinking or behavior
WHAT TO DO AT HOME
Things the athlete should "DO"
• Rest and avoid activity and sports until symptoms improve, see more information on back
• Slowly return to normal daily activities
• Sleep, no need to wake the athlete up every hour
• Address symptoms for comfort
• May take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for headaches
• May use an ice pack on the head and neck area as needed for comfort
Things the athlete should "NOT do"
• Take ibuprofen, naproxen or other nonsteroidal,
anti-inflammatory medications in the first 48 hours
• Drive
• Exercise or Lift weights
• Activities that worsen symptoms such as
• Watch TV, text or play games on smart phone or device
• Listen to loud music, loud conversations
• Attend sporting events or concerts
• Engage in heated or emotional discussions
When to Follow-Up
Unless otherwise directed or indicated, please schedule a follow-up appointment with your primary care provider. A referral to a sports medicine specialist may be made if symptoms continue or for assistance with return to play recommendations.