Concussion Resources

Concussion Resources

If your child is sent home with a possible concussion or you are concerned they may have a concussion, make an appointment with a healthcare provider as soon as possible. 

*Keep the appointment even if your child starts to feel better. Your child’s doctor will track their recovery and advise on their safe return to school, play, and sport activities. 

Links to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) concussion resources:

Pediatric Concussion Resources

Caring for your child with a concussion

Mild head injury and concussion - Return-to-learn and return-to-play & sports guidelines

Concussion Prevention in Kids and Teens

What is a concussion?

A concussion is an injury to the brain. It can be caused by a blow or bump to or around the head. This causes the brain to move inside the skull, which can change how the brain works or processes information.

• It’s estimated that 1.6 to 3.8 million concussions occur every year—many of those go unreported or unnoticed.

• Boys and girls respond differently to concussions. On average, girls take a few days longer to recover than boys. 

• Younger athletes typically take longer to recover from concussions than older athletes.

• Of any sport, football carries the highest risk of concussion. Next is soccer and basketball. As lacrosse grows in popularity, it may account for a significant number of concussions as well.

Signs and Symptoms of a concussion:

Any head injury your child receives should be taken seriously regardless of the activity or age of the child. It’s important to be observant, understand the signs and symptoms of a concussion, err on the side of safety and trust your gut. When in doubt, call your child’s doctor.

There are many different ways a concussion can show itself. Your child may exhibit just one or two symptoms, or quite a few. You might not even see any symptoms until a few days after the injury.

• Confusion

• Headache

• Clumsy movement or dizziness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Memory loss

• Tiredness

• Upset stomach

• Vision problems

• Sensitivity to noise and light

• Numbness or tingling anywhere on the body

• Loss of balance or trouble walking

• Mental fogginess (cannot think clearly or remember things)

• Slurred speech or other changes in speech

• Irritability or more fussiness than usual

• Different behavior than usual—does not play, acts fussy or seems confused

• More emotional, perhaps very sad or nervous

• Different sleeping patterns

For more information on concussions visit - CHOA Pediatric Concussion Resources.