A concussion is a brain injury that needs prompt attention. While not every head injury is a concussion, every head injury should be treated with careful attention. It’s vital that you take early action in order to help prevent complications and support safe recovery.
This guide will cover concussion signs as well as directions for treatment and the typical expected recovery timeline.
Signs & Symptoms: How to Tell If Your Child Has a Concussion
Symptoms of a concussion can be physical, cognitive, and even behavioral. You may notice some symptoms immediately, while others come more gradually. Ongoing observation is important.
Typical concussion symptoms include:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Slurred speech or delayed responses
- Unusual behavior, irritability, or fatigue
Signs that the injury may be a concussion and not simply a head injury
A normal head injury can cause a headache and even nausea or dizziness. However, your child’s head injury may be a concussion if you notice:
- Symptoms appear to be worsening
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Significant changes in behavior
- Balance issues
- They appear “foggy” or have slow, slurred speech
- Sensitivity to light or noise
Steps to Take After Your Child’s Head Injury
Start by removing your child from any activity immediately. They should not be engaged in sports or play because continued activity can make symptoms worse and increase the risk of further injury.
Once you have them in a safe place:
- Monitor symptoms closely over the next several hours
- Try to keep them calm, limiting stimulation
- Avoid giving medications unless told otherwise by a provider
- Watch for red flags: repeated vomiting, worsening headache, or difficulty staying awake
If you’re concerned about their symptoms, or if symptoms are not improving, seeking medical care should be the next step.
Where to Go After a Head Injury or Concussion
A medical provider can assess your child’s condition and determine whether it’s a minor head injury, a concussion, or something else. They will attempt to rule out more serious injuries and then guide you in the next steps for recovery.
Taking your child to the emergency room for one of these evaluations is likely unnecessary, depending on the severity of the injury, but you will still benefit from a higher level of care than a typical urgent care center can provide.
What an Evaluation Typically Includes
During the evaluation, your provider will check for signs of worsening injury and issues related to memory or coordination. Basic eye and ear checks are also typical. From there, they may ask basic questions to see how your child responds, and they will determine whether additional observation is necessary.
While not always the case with concussions, if they suspect a more serious injury, your provider may order an imaging scan to rule out bleeding or structural damage.
What to Expect for a Recovery
Every concussion is different, but most children begin improving within a few days and recover fully within one to two weeks. That said, concussion recovery is not always straightforward. Symptoms can come and go, especially when your child tries to return to normal activity too quickly.
General expectations:
- First 24–48 hours: Rest and symptom monitoring
- First week: Gradual improvement with limited activity
- 1–2 weeks: Return to school and light activity as tolerated
- Beyond 2 weeks: Follow-up may be needed if symptoms persist
If your child wishes to return to sports or active play, you should check your provider’s guidelines or reach out to their office to confirm the best timeframe. Otherwise, you risk reinvigorating the injury and extending recovery time.
Tips for a Smoother Recovery
The best way to have a smooth recovery is to follow the guidelines set by your medical provider. Be sure to adhere to tips and directions like:
- Prioritize rest, which can be vital in the first few days
- Limit their screen time and exposure to loud environments and bright lights
- Encourage short periods of quiet activity as symptoms improve
- Keep a consistent sleep schedule
- Communicate with teachers or coaches about temporary adjustments
It’s likely your child will feel frustrated during the recovery period. It may help to set small, short-term goals (i.e. rest now, have quiet activity time later) or find lower-key activities they enjoy and encourage those.
When to Visit The Urgency Room
At The Urgency Room, our ER-trained providers offer experienced care at a higher level than what you would get at a typical urgent care. They will assess symptoms, monitor for complications, and help you understand the recovery timetable.
We are open until 9pm daily at convenient locations in Golden Valley, Eagan, Woodbury, and Vadnais Heights.