What should parents do in the first days after a concussion?

Serious medical problems after a mild head injury are rare, but they can occur. For this reason, a healthcare provider should always be involved in a child or teen's care after a concussion.

In the first one to two days after the injury, you should watch your child closely for worsening or severe symptoms. You can give acetaminophen (Tylenol) for headaches, but no other medications should be given during this time without a healthcare provider's approval.

Seek immediate medical help if your child has any of the following:

• A headache that gets worse or is severe

• Confusion, extreme sleepiness or trouble waking up

• Vomiting repeatedly

• Trouble walking or talking

• Any numbness, weakness or tingling in arms or legs

• A seizure or convulsion (arms or legs stiffen or shake uncontrollably)

• Any sudden change in thinking or behavior