Concussion Basics Every Parent Should Know
As the school year begins, so do fall sports. Whether your child plays football, soccer, field hockey, cheerleading, or another activity, it's important for parents to understand the signs of a concussion and know what to do if one happens.
Concussions are common in youth sports, but with early recognition and proper care, most children recover fully. Here's what every parent should know.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head—or even a hit to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth.
Contrary to popular belief, your child does not have to lose consciousness to have a concussion.
Even a seemingly minor hit can affect how the brain functions temporarily.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms don't always appear immediately. Some children seem fine at first but develop symptoms hours later.
Watch for:
Physical Symptoms
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Blurred or double vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Balance problems
Thinking & Learning Changes
Confusion
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling "foggy"
Slower response times
Trouble remembering new information
Emotional Changes
Irritability
Mood swings
Anxiety
Sadness
Unusual emotional reactions
Sleep Changes
Sleeping more than usual
Trouble falling asleep
Feeling unusually tired
When Should Your Child Be Seen Immediately?
Seek emergency medical care right away if your child:
Loses consciousness
Has repeated vomiting
Experiences a seizure
Has worsening headaches
Becomes increasingly confused or difficult to wake
Has slurred speech
Shows weakness or numbness
Has unequal pupils
Has unusual behavior that concerns you
These symptoms could indicate a more serious brain injury.
What Should You Do After a Possible Concussion?
If you suspect your child has a concussion:
Remove them from play immediately.
Never allow a child to "play through it."
The sooner a concussion is recognized, the better the chance for a smooth recovery.
Next:
Contact your pediatrician.
Follow medical recommendations for monitoring symptoms.
Encourage both physical and mental rest for the first 24–48 hours, followed by a gradual return to activity as advised by your healthcare provider.
Returning to School
Many children can return to school before they're ready for sports.
Your child may temporarily need:
Shortened school days
Extra time for assignments
Reduced screen time
Frequent breaks
Modified workloads
Every recovery is different, and schools can often provide accommodations while symptoms improve.
Returning to Sports
Returning to sports should always happen step by step and only after your child has been evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Returning too soon increases the risk of another concussion before the brain has healed, which can lead to more serious complications and a longer recovery.
Never let your child return to play simply because they "feel okay."
Can Concussions Be Prevented?
While not every concussion can be prevented, parents can help lower the risk by encouraging:
Properly fitted protective equipment
Good sportsmanship
Following the rules of the game
Reporting symptoms honestly
Never hiding injuries to stay in the game
Creating a culture where safety comes before competition helps protect young athletes.
We're Here to Help
At WanderCARE Pediatrics, your child's health and safety always come first.
If your child experiences a head injury or you think they may have a concussion, our team can evaluate their symptoms, guide their recovery, and help determine when it's safe to return to school, sports, and everyday activities.
Have questions or need an appointment? Contact WanderCARE Pediatrics today. We're here to help your child recover safely and confidently.
