FFFConcussions and Children

No. 119; July 2025

What is a Concussion

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that is caused by a direct or indirect mechanical force to the head that affects the brain. A concussion may occur while playing sports or from an accident, such as a fall or a car accident.

Concussions, especially sport-related concussions (SRC), are common among children and adolescents. In fact, 1.9 million children and adolescents or 1 in 10 will have an SRC in the US each year.

Concussions involve many different signs, symptoms, and impairments. As the saying goes, "no two concussions are alike." Contrary to popular belief, children and adolescents do not need to lose consciousness or be "knocked out" to have a concussion. In fact, only 10% of all concussions involve a loss of consciousness. Common observable signs and reported symptoms are provided below:

Signs of a concussion include:

  • difficulty balancing or walking
  • speech difficulties
  • clutching or shaking one's head
  • dazed or blank stare
  • numbness or tingling
  • difficulty remembering things
  • confusion
  • vomiting
  • loss of consciousness

Symptoms of a concussion include:

  • headache
  • dizziness
  • feeling foggy
  • fatigue/tiredness
  • sensitivity to light or noise
  • nausea
  • blurry or double vision
  • difficulty concentrating
  • difficulty sleeping
  •  irritability
  • anxiety or depressed mood

What to Do if Your Child Has a Concussion

Any child or adolescent who has an injury involving the head should seek immediate medical care to rule out serious injury and accelerate the pathway to recovery. A licensed health care professional can determine if a child has had a concussion, or if there is a more serious brain injury, and refer for treatment as indicated. If a child or adolescent has a suspected concussion they should be immediately removed from sport and not allowed to continue to play until medically cleared by a licensed healthcare professional (varies by state law).

In the first 48 hours following a concussion, physical activities that might result in another injury should be avoided. However, engaging in p􀁢ysical activities like walking or stationary cycling, and social, academic, and other daily activities is encouraged after the first 48 hours following a concussion. Sometimes, these activities may exacerbate symptoms. A licensed healthcare professional with training in concussion can provide guidelines for specific activities children and adolescents should engage in following a concussion and help manage and treat symptoms.

Most children and adolescents will recover within 30 days of a concussion. A minority (25-30%) of children and adolescents will experience persisting post-concussion symptoms beyond 30 days, particularly if they do not seek care soon after injury or if they have risk factors such as migraine history or motion sensitivity. Research shows that the children and adolescents who receive care within a week of their concussion wHL recover quicker than those who wait to seek care. Concussions are treatable with active, targeted interventions for specific symptoms and impairments. Prescribed rest is no longer a recommended treatment for this injury beyond the first 48 hours. In fact, children and adolescents are encouraged to engage in physical and social activities after a concussion.

Some children, adolescents, and their families may feel anxious, scared, upset or depressed following a concussion. These symptoms are normal but may be exacerbated if children or adolescents have pre-existing anxiety or depressive mood. If your child has these symptoms, be sure to talk with your pediatrician or family physician and ask for a referral to a licensed mental health professional with training in concussion.