What to Do If You Suspect Your Child Has a Concussion

April 4, 2025

Accidents are a part of childhood, whether from a fall, roughhousing, or playing sports. But when your child takes a blow to the head, it’s important to recognize the potential risks. Understanding concussion symptoms and knowing what steps to take can make a significant difference in your child’s recovery.

At After Hours Kids in Austin, Texas, we specialize in pediatric urgent care, including the diagnosis and management of concussions. If you suspect your child has suffered a head injury, our team is here to provide expert evaluation and guidance. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that occurs when a blow to the head or sudden jolt causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This movement can result in temporary changes to the brain’s normal function, leading to physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms.

While concussions are considered a mild form of traumatic brain injury, they still require careful monitoring and proper management to prevent complications such as brain swelling. Contact sports like football, soccer, and hockey are common causes of concussions, but they can also result from falls, car accidents, or other forms of impact.

How Long After Hitting the Head Can Concussion Symptoms Start?

Concussion symptoms can appear immediately after an injury, but in some cases, they may be delayed by hours or even days. This means that even if your child appears fine at first, symptoms could emerge later. Parents should remain vigilant for any signs and symptoms of a concussion in the days following a head injury.

The delay in symptoms occurs because concussions impact the brain’s ability to regulate itself. The initial impact may not cause noticeable issues, but as the brain struggles to regain its balance, symptoms may develop over time.

What Symptoms Would Indicate a Concussion?

Recognizing the common concussion symptoms is critical to ensuring your child receives the care they need. Symptoms can vary widely but often include:

Physical Symptoms

Headache
Dizziness or balance problems
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light or noise
Blurred or double vision
Fatigue or drowsiness

Cognitive Symptoms

Difficulty concentrating
Confusion or feeling mentally foggy
Memory problems (trouble remembering recent events)
Slowed thinking or difficulty following instructions

Emotional Symptoms

Increased irritability
Mood swings
Anxiety or sadness

Sleep-Related Symptoms

Sleeping more or less than usual
Trouble falling asleep
Feeling excessively drowsy during the day

Loss of consciousness is often associated with concussions, but it actually occurs in fewer than 10% of cases. Even if your child did not lose consciousness, they may still have a concussion and need evaluation by a healthcare provider.

Red Flags to Worry About

Most concussions are mild, but some cases can lead to severe symptoms requiring immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care if your child experiences:

Repeated vomiting
Severe or worsening headaches
Seizures
Slurred speech
Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
Significant confusion or difficulty recognizing familiar people
Unusual drowsiness or difficulty waking up

These symptoms may indicate a more serious brain injury or brain swelling, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.

What to Do When You Suspect a Concussion

If you think your child may have a possible concussion, follow these steps:

Remove Them from Activity – Whether they were playing sports or simply running around, stop all physical activity immediately to prevent further injury.
Monitor Their Condition – Keep an eye on your child’s symptoms and look for any worsening signs.
Seek a Medical Evaluation – A healthcare professional should assess the injury, even if symptoms seem mild. At After Hours Kids, we offer thorough concussion evaluations and guidance for safe recovery.

Who Can Help?

Managing a concussion often requires a team of medical professionals. Depending on the severity of the injury, your child may need to see:

Pediatricians – Experts in children’s health who provide initial assessments and monitoring.
Concussion Specialist – Such as at the SportsSafe Concussion Clinic or a neurologist.
Sports Medicine and Physical Medicine Experts – They can help your child return safely to sports or physical activity.

At After Hours Kids, we provide comprehensive evaluations and work with specialists to ensure your child receives the best care possible.

First Few Days of Recovery: What to Do

The first few days after a concussion are critical for recovery. Returning to activity too quickly can make symptoms worse. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following:

1. Prioritize Rest

Avoid strenuous physical activity.
Limit screen time, schoolwork, and mentally demanding tasks.
Encourage short naps if needed, but avoid excessive daytime sleep.

2. Gradual Return to Activities

Once symptoms improve, reintroduce normal activities slowly.
Avoid contact sports and high-risk play until cleared by a healthcare provider.

3. Monitor Symptoms Closely

If your child’s symptoms worsen instead of improving, seek medical attention immediately.
Track any new symptoms or changes in mood, behavior, or sleep patterns.

4. Avoid Second Impact Syndrome

Returning to activity too soon increases the risk of another concussion before the brain has healed.
Multiple concussions close together can lead to severe symptoms and long-term complications.

At After Hours Kids, we start you on the concussion recovery process and are able to recommend best next steps to ensure your child safely returns to their regular routine without unnecessary risks.

Supporting Your Child’s Recovery

A concussion can be a stressful experience for both parents and children. Ensuring proper care, following medical advice, and allowing adequate recovery time are essential to preventing long-term issues.

At After Hours Kids in Austin, TX, we offer expert evaluation and treatment for concussions, helping parents navigate this challenging situation with confidence. If your child has sustained a head injury, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional guidance. Contact our office today!

Medically Reviewed by Emily Woodard

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