Concussion Symptoms in Teens: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Introduction

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs after a blow or jolt to the head, which can cause the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This rapid movement disrupts normal brain function, often leading to a wide range of symptoms. Concussions in children and teens are particularly concerning because their brains are still developing, and the potential consequences can be long-lasting. As a parent, understanding the symptoms, treatment, and long-term care for concussions is vital to ensuring your child’s full recovery and protecting them from future injuries.

This article delves into everything parents need to know about concussion care for children and teens, from recognizing symptoms to managing recovery and preventing future concussions.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Concussion

The symptoms of a concussion can vary significantly from child to child, and not all symptoms appear immediately after the injury. In fact, some symptoms may take hours or even days to manifest. Here are the most common signs to look for after your child experiences a blow to the head:

Immediate Symptoms

1. Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
2. Confusion or feeling as though they are in a fog
3. Dizziness, loss of balance, or unsteady walking
4. Nausea or vomiting
5. Blurred or double vision
6. Sensitivity to light and noise
7. Slurred speech or difficulty finding words
8. Fatigue or drowsiness

Delayed Symptoms

1. Memory problems, particularly difficulty remembering the event that caused the injury
2. Irritability or mood swings
3. Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping more or less than usual)
4. Difficulty concentrating or feeling “out of it”
5. Unexplained sadness, anxiety, or depression

Children and teens may not always be able to articulate their symptoms clearly, making it essential for parents to pay close attention to behavioral changes. Some younger children might not be able to express feeling “off” or “foggy,” so observing any unusual behavior is critical.

When to Seek Emergency Care

While most concussions can be managed at home, there are certain red flags that warrant immediate medical attention. If your child experiences any of the following symptoms after a head injury, seek emergency care immediately:

1. Loss of consciousness, even if only for a brief moment.
2. Repeated vomiting (more than once).
3. Severe or worsening headaches that do not improve with rest.
4. Drowsiness or inability to wake up easily.
5. Convulsions or seizures.
6. Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination.
7. Unequal pupil size or unusual eye movements.
8. Clear fluid leaking from the nose or ears (which could indicate a skull fracture).
9. Confusion, agitation, or unusual behavior.

What Happens in the ER

If your child is taken to the emergency room for a suspected concussion, the healthcare provider will likely perform a neurological exam to assess their cognitive function, reflexes, balance, and coordination. In some cases, imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI may be recommended to rule out more serious injuries like bleeding or swelling in the brain.

The Importance of Rest in Recovery

Rest is the cornerstone of concussion recovery. After a concussion, both physical and cognitive rest are essential to allow the brain to heal. This can be challenging for children and teens who are used to being active, but proper rest is crucial to avoid prolonging recovery or worsening symptoms.

Physical Rest

This involves limiting physical activity that could increase heart rate or jolt the head, such as:

1. Sports and physical education classes
2. Running, jumping, or rough play
3. Intense physical chores or lifting heavy objects

Cognitive Rest

Cognitive rest is just as important as physical rest. Activities that require significant concentration or mental effort can exacerbate symptoms, including:

1. Schoolwork – This includes reading, writing, and studying.
2. Screen time – Watching TV, playing video games, or using computers, tablets, or smartphones.
3. Socializing – Engaging in long conversations, particularly in noisy environments.

During the initial recovery phase, it’s advisable to keep your child home from school for a few days or even a week, depending on their symptoms. Gradually reintroducing cognitive activities is key, and parents should work closely with the child’s school to develop a return-to-learn plan.

Gradual Return to Activities

After a period of rest, your child can slowly return to daily activities, but this should be done in a gradual, step-by-step process to avoid setbacks. A typical plan might look like this:

1. Stage 1: Complete Rest – No physical or cognitive activities.
2. Stage 2: Light Activity – Gentle walking or light schoolwork, but still avoiding screens and strenuous mental tasks.
3. Stage 3: School and Light Exercise – Return to school part-time and engage in light aerobic activity like walking or swimming.
4. Stage 4: Non-Contact Sport – If your child is involved in sports, they can begin practicing non-contact drills.
5. Stage 5: Full Return to School and Sports – Once your child can handle school and physical activity without symptoms, they can return fully to their previous routine.

It is crucial to monitor for any return of symptoms during each phase of recovery. If symptoms do return, it means the brain is not fully healed, and your child should go back to the previous stage until they are symptom-free for at least 24 hours.

Long-Term Effects of Concussions in Children

While most children and teens recover from a concussion within 2-4 weeks, some may experience prolonged symptoms, a condition known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS). PCS can cause headaches, dizziness, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating for months or even years after the initial injury.

In rare cases, repeated concussions can lead to more severe long-term issues, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head injuries.

Managing Post-Concussion Syndrome

If your child’s symptoms persist beyond a few weeks, they may need specialized care. A healthcare provider might recommend seeing a neurologist, neuropsychologist, or physical therapist who specializes in concussion management. Treatment can involve medication for headaches, counseling for emotional symptoms, and specific rehabilitation exercises to improve balance and coordination.

Preventing Future Concussions

The best way to protect your child from the risks of concussion is to prevent the injury in the first place. Here are some strategies to reduce the likelihood of future concussions:

1. Use Proper Safety Gear – Ensure your child wears the appropriate protective equipment for sports or activities, such as helmets for biking, skateboarding, and contact sports.
2. Promote Safe Play – Teach your child safe playing techniques, particularly in contact sports like football or soccer, where head impacts are more common.
3. Educate Coaches and Teachers – Make sure that the adults supervising your child understand the risks of concussions and the importance of proper management.
4. Follow Proper Return-to-Play Protocols – If your child is an athlete, ensure they follow a structured return-to-play plan under the guidance of a medical professional.

Debunking Common Myths About Concussions

There are several misconceptions surrounding concussions, particularly regarding their severity and treatment. Here are a few myths that parents should be aware of:

1. Myth: A concussion only occurs if there is a loss of consciousness. Fact: Most concussions do not involve a loss of consciousness. In fact, it occurs in less than 10% of cases.
2. Myth: You need to wake your child up every few hours after a concussion. Fact: It is not necessary to wake your child unless they were advised to do so by a doctor. However, monitoring them during sleep for unusual symptoms is still important.
3. Myth: Children recover from concussions faster than adults. Fact: Children and teens often take longer to recover from concussions than adults because their brains are still developing.

Conclusion

Caring for a child or teen with a concussion requires patience, careful monitoring, and a thorough understanding of the injury. By recognizing the signs and symptoms early, seeking appropriate medical care, and ensuring proper rest, parents can help their children recover fully and safely. Remember, concussion recovery is a gradual process, and it’s crucial to avoid rushing your child back into normal activities. Preventing future concussions through safety measures and education is key to safeguarding your child’s long-term health.