The signs of concussion in kids include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, balance problems, and changes in mood or sleep. These symptoms may appear immediately or develop over several hours. Concussions can occur even without a direct blow to the head, especially during falls or contact sports. Knowing when to seek medical attention between urgent care and a pediatrician is crucial for timely care and recovery. Recognizing early signs helps ensure children get the right treatment as soon as possible.
How Common are Concussions in Children?
According to the CDC, approximately 283,000 children visit the emergency room each year in the U.S. due to sports- or recreation-related traumatic brain injuries, including concussions. Many cases go unreported because the symptoms are often subtle or delayed. Kids are particularly vulnerable due to their still-developing brains, making timely recognition and care essential.
What Causes Concussions in Kids?
A concussion happens when a sudden impact or force—whether a direct hit to the head or a strong blow to the body that causes the head to snap quickly—interferes with how the brain normally works. For children, this can occur during:
- Contact sports like football or soccer
- Accidental falls (especially for toddlers)
- Bicycle or scooter accidents
- Playground injuries
- Car crashes
Even seemingly minor impacts can cause a concussion, especially if the child falls awkwardly or hits their head on a hard surface. It’s not just about how hard they hit their head, but how their brain moved inside the skull.
Immediate Physical Signs of a Concussion
Not all symptoms appear right away. Some signs surface minutes after the injury, while others show up hours later. Here’s what to look for in the first few hours:
After a head injury, children may seem dazed or act “off,” even if they insist they feel fine. Don’t rely solely on their self-report—observe closely.
Watch out for these physical symptoms:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred or double vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Fatigue or sluggishness
- Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
- Clumsy movements or stumbling
If your child exhibits any of these signs, even briefly, it’s wise to consult a medical professional. Early intervention reduces the risk of lasting effects.
7 Cognitive and Emotional Symptoms to Watch For
Sometimes the most telling symptoms aren’t physical. Cognitive and emotional changes can be strong indicators of a concussion, especially in younger children who may not articulate pain well.
Look for these mental and behavioral signs:
- Appears confused or seems “out of it”
- Trouble concentrating or remembering
- Slow response to questions
- Repeats questions or forgets instructions
- Sudden mood swings or irritability
- Unusual sadness or anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual
These changes might not be immediately connected to the injury by parents or teachers, but they’re important clues. Any deviation from your child’s normal behavior warrants close attention.
Can Kids Have Delayed Concussion Symptoms?
Yes. Some children don’t show signs of concussion for hours—or even days—after the injury. This delay is why parents should monitor their child for at least 48 hours post-incident.
Delayed symptoms may include:
- Persistent headache that worsens
- Increased drowsiness or difficulty waking up
- Irritability or moodiness
- Trouble at school (difficulty concentrating)
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
Even if your child seemed fine initially, don’t ignore new or worsening symptoms. Keep track of their condition and trust your instincts. When in doubt, consult a healthcare provider.
When Should You Take Your Child to Urgent Care?
Any sign of concussion in kids should prompt a medical evaluation. That said, certain red flags mean you should seek urgent care immediately.
Go to urgent care or the ER if your child:
- Loses consciousness, even briefly
- Vomits more than once
- Complains of worsening headache
- Has slurred speech or difficulty walking
- Has seizures or convulsions
- Shows signs of fluid or blood from the nose or ears
- Appears increasingly confused or disoriented
- Can’t recognize familiar people or places
Even if you’re unsure whether symptoms are related to a concussion, it’s safer to get them evaluated by a medical professional trained in pediatric injuries.
What Happens If a Concussion Goes Untreated?
Untreated concussions can lead to post-concussion syndrome, where symptoms persist for weeks or even months. In rare instances, children may develop second-impact syndrome, a potentially fatal condition that occurs when a second concussion happens before the first has fully healed. The long-term effects of repeated or improperly managed concussions may include memory issues, learning difficulties, mood disorders such as depression or anxiety, sleep disturbances, chronic headaches, and other complications.
However, early recognition and proper management of concussions can significantly reduce the risk of these lasting problems—just as addressing physical injuries promptly and correctly can prevent complications, as discussed in How to Start Dressing Wounds the Right Way at Home.
Can You Prevent Concussions in Kids?
While you can’t eliminate all risks, certain precautions can lower your child’s chances of a head injury.
Prevention tips:
- Ensure proper sports equipment (helmets for biking, skating, and contact sports)
- Teach safe play techniques in sports
- Supervise high-risk activities like playground time or trampoline use
- Use car seats and seat belts properly
- Child-proof your home (especially stairs and hard furniture edges)
Teaching your child to communicate injuries, no matter how small, helps create a safer environment and encourages early reporting.
How are Concussions Treated in Children?
There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for a concussion. Most recover with physical and cognitive rest, followed by a gradual return to normal activity. But care must be personalized and closely monitored.
Recovery generally involves:
- Resting for 24–48 hours
- Limiting screen time and mental stimulation
- Avoiding physical activity until cleared
- Slowly resuming school and play under medical guidance
- Regular follow-ups to track symptoms
Treatment plans may also include referrals to specialists like neurologists or physical therapists depending on severity and recovery progress.
Every parent should feel empowered to recognize the signs of concussion in kids. From physical symptoms like nausea and headaches to emotional changes like irritability, these warning signs are your cue to act. Prompt care not only protects your child’s brain health but also gives them the best chance at a full recovery.
Get Expert Help at Centers Urgent Care
If your child shows any signs of concussion, don’t wait. Visit Centers Urgent Care—your trusted provider for urgent care in New York. Our team offers expert evaluation and personalized care for concussions and other injuries. We understand kids and know how to treat them with compassion and skill.
Protect your child’s brain health—contact us or walk in today.
