A concussion is a type of brain injury that affects brain function. It can be caused by a direct hit or blow to the head, neck, face, or body. The force of the blow makes the head and brain shake quickly back and forth. This can cause a headache, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. A child’s behavior, walk, or speech can change. Your child may also lose consciousness for a time or have a blank stare. They may seem confused or have trouble remembering things. For instance, your child may ask the same questions over and over. They might stumble when walking, or easily laugh or cry. They may have trouble sleeping. If the symptoms are severe, your child should be checked in the emergency room. This could mean a more severe brain injury is possible.
It can take from a few hours up to a few days to get better. The length of time can depend on how hard the blow to the head was. But even injuries that seem minor can lead to symptoms. In some cases, symptoms last a few months or longer. This is called postconcussion syndrome.
Symptoms should get better as the hours and days go by. But they can get worse if your child goes back to regular activities too soon. Symptoms that get worse could be a sign of a more serious brain injury. This might be a bruise or bleeding in the brain. Watch for the warning signs listed below. Your child’s health care provider will tell you about any other care needed.
Home care
If your child's injury is mild and there are no serious signs or symptoms, you can watch them at home. If the injury is more serious, take your child to their health care provider or the emergency room. Follow these guidelines when caring for your child at home:
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You probably won't have to wake your child from sleep after a minor head injury. But if your child's provider does advise this, your child should be able to know where they are when they wake up. Ask the provider if you need to wake your child during the night. If so, ask how often. If not, then let your child rest as needed.
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Carefully watch your child for any of the symptoms listed below. If you notice any of them, call
911 right away or get medical care right away. -
Ask your child's provider when it will be safe to let your child return to normal play if they have no symptoms.
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Don't let your child return right away to sports or any activity that could cause another head injury or make the existing head injury worse. Wait until all symptoms are gone and your child's provider says it's okay. A second head injury before fully getting over the first one can lead to serious brain injury. Ask the provider if you have any questions about when your child can return to playing sports.
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Don't give your child aspirin after a head injury. You may give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen to control pain unless another pain medicine was prescribed. Follow all instructions from your child's provider. If your child has long-term (chronic) liver or kidney disease, or ever had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding, talk with the provider before using these medicines.
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If your child's face or scalp is swollen, apply an ice pack. Do this for 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours until the swelling starts to go down. To make an ice pack, put ice cubes in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the bag in a clean, thin towel or cloth. Never put ice or an ice pack directly on the skin.
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School and other activities that need concentration can be more difficult after a concussion. They may also delay recovery. Ask your child's provider when it's safe to return to school or do other things that need a lot of focus.
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Getting back to normal life activities within 7 days of the concussion may lead to a better recovery. This includes getting back to physical activity. But talk with your child's provider about what is best for your child.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child’s health care provider as advised.
Special note to parents
Health care providers are trained to see injuries such as this in young children as a sign of possible abuse. You may be asked questions about how your child was injured. Providers must, by law, ask you these questions. This is done to protect your child. Please try to be patient.
When to get medical advice
Contact your child's health care provider right away if your child has:
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Neck pain or stiffness.
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A headache that won't go away.
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Dizziness that won’t go away.
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Other symptoms that don't seem to be improving over time or if new symptoms develop.
Call 911
Call
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Swelling or bruising on the head that gets worse.
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A bulging soft spot on top of the head (in babies).
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Pain that doesn't get better or that gets worse. Babies may show pain as crying or fussing that can't be soothed.
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Eyes that look black from very large pupils.
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One pupil that's larger or smaller than the other.
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A blank stare.
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Clear or bloody fluid coming from the ear or nose.
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A headache that gets worse.
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Clumsiness or shaking.
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Confusion.
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Abnormal behavior.
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Dizziness that gets worse.
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Sleepiness or trouble waking from sleep.
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Trouble speaking.
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Trouble walking or using their arms or legs.
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Seizures.
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Repeated vomiting (It's common to vomit once after a head injury. But if your child vomits more than once, get medical care right away.)
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Author: Wheeler, Brooke
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
