Introduction

A concussion is an injury caused by sudden, strong brain movement against the skull. Concussion is usually caused by a hit to the head from:

  • another person
  • an object
  • a surface, like falling onto a wall or floor.

Concussions can happen even if your child did not lose consciousness or pass out after a hit to the head.

 Signs and symptoms

If your child has a hit to the head, neck, or body, they should stop what they are doing immediately and be checked by a parent or carer.

If the hit has caused strong movement in the head and neck, you will need to check them for signs of concussion up to 48 hours after the hit.

Common signs of a concussion in children include:

  • appearing dazed or stunned
  • repeating questions you ask them
  • having problems remembering before or after the hit
  • showing personality or behaviour changes
  • having trouble moving or walking.

You should also ask your child to check how they feel.

See your local doctor immediately if they:

  • have a seizure
  • have a headache or feel pressure in their head
  • are dizzy or losing balance
  • are nauseous or vomiting
  • feel numbness or tingling in their head or body
  • feel very tired or start to fall asleep at odd times
  • become sensitive to light and noise
  • start to have trouble with their vision
  • have trouble sleeping
  • feel more emotional than usual, for example, sad or anxious
  • have trouble thinking clearly, concentrating or remembering things
  • do not feel “right”.

You must write down:

  • what type of symptoms your child is having
  • when they happened
  • how long they lasted
  • how severe they were.

Signs and symptoms of concussion may not show up for 24-48 hours after the head injury. 

Diagnosis

Your doctor will diagnose a concussion based on what happened to your child, the symptoms they are having and doing a physical examination.

They might also refer your child to have scans of their head to check for other injuries.

Treatment

A concussion is treated with physical and mental rest. Your child should take a break from the following activities for at least 24-48 hours after they are diagnosed with concussion:

  • exercise and sports
  • using screens like phones, tablets, televisions, and computers
  • studying and going to school.

Talk to your child’s doctor about planning a slow and steady return to their usual activities.

 Management

When to take your child to the Emergency Department

The HEAD BUMPS acronym is an easy way to know when to take your child to the emergency department.

H - worsening HEADACHE, having a seizure or losing consciousness or passing out

E - worsening EYE problems like blurred or double vision

A - ABNORMAL behaviour change

D - DIZZINESS and constant vomiting

B - BALANCE issues with weakness or numbness in legs and/or arms

U - UNSTEADY on feet and slurred speech

M - MEMORY is worse, feeling confused and upset

P - POOR concentration, feeling drowsy and sleepy

S - SOMETHING’s not right, and you are generally concerned about your child after their injury. 

If your child shows any of these symptoms after a concussion, go to your nearest emergency department or call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.  

See your local doctor if your child still has symptoms 3-4 weeks after the injury.

Return to school

Your child should be able to return to school 24-48 hours after concussion, depending on their symptoms and how they are feeling.

Let the school know your child has had a concussion so they can check for symptoms and give extra support throughout the day.

Your child may need a slow return to school, depending on how severe their concussion is. A slow return can include:

  • starting with a few hours and building up to a full day
  • changing their timetable and taking rest breaks when needed
  • having extra time and support to complete homework and assignments.

Return to physical activity and sport

Your child should be able to return to light activity 24-48 hours after concussion, depending on their symptoms. This might include a walk or a slow bike ride.

Mild symptoms may come back after light activity, it is acceptable to continue with light exercise as long as the symptoms stop quickly afterwards.  If symptoms are severe, stop and take your child to their local doctor.

Your child can return to more physical activity and sports after concussion when they have returned to school full time and are not having symptoms after doing light activity.

Let your child’s school and sports coaches know about the concussion to help them with a slow return to activity and sport.

A slow return to activity and sport can include:

  • starting with low-level activity like a 10-minute walk
  • slowly increasing non-contact activity if there are no symptoms
  • getting approval from your child’s doctor before returning to regular activities like contact and collision sports. 

Return to contact or collision sport

It is recommended a child or adolescent only return to competitive contact or collision sport after a minimum of 21 days from the time of the concussion.

Your child should be able to return to contact or collision sport training after being symptom-free and rested for at least 14 days.  

Some mild concussion symptoms may reappear while exercising.  It is acceptable to continue with exercise if mild symptoms resolve quickly after stopping.  If moderate or severe symptoms return or last for a long time after exercise, stop and take your child to see a local doctor or the managing health care professional.  A child or adolescent can return to contact or collision training once all exercise-related symptoms have completely resolved.

Disclaimer

This factsheet is provided for general information only. It does not constitute health advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat any health condition.

Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for you and/or your child.

The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network does not accept responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions, the interpretation of the information, or for success or appropriateness of any treatment described in the factsheet.


© Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network 2024