Signs and Symptoms of Concussion

Signs and symptoms

Concussion symptoms are what your child is feeling after the injury. Concussion signs are what you see when your child is experiencing symptoms related to their injury. Experiencing concussion symptoms is part of the normal healing process. Concussion symptoms:12

• Are different for each person
• May change during recovery
• Are most severe right after the injury (usually 1 to 2 days after the injury)
• Differ depending on the age of your child

Keep in mind that concussion signs and symptoms may not show up right away—they may take hours or days to appear or be noticed. Spotting a possible concussion may be harder in young children and some children with disabilities because they may not be able to communicate or express how they feel.34

As a parent or caregiver, you know what's normal for your child and what's not. Monitor your child regularly and watch for changes in how your child acts or feels. If their symptoms get worse, be sure to share this information with their healthcare provider.

Symptoms: What your child may experience or report after a concussion

Physical

• Bothered by light or noise
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Feeling tired, no energy
• Headaches
• Nausea or vomiting (early on)
• Vision problems

Thinking and remembering

• Attention or concentration problems
• Feeling slowed down
• Foggy or groggy
• Problems with short- or long-term memory
• Trouble thinking clearly

Social or emotional

• Anxiety or nervousness
• Irritability or easily angered
• Feeling more emotional
• Sadness

Sleep

• Sleeping less than usual
• Sleeping more than usual
• Trouble falling asleep

Signs: What to watch for according to your child's age

Infants, toddlers, and pre-school aged children (birth to age 4)A

• Irritability and crying more than usual
• Seeking more comfort than usual, like needing to be held
• Refusing to nurse or eat
• Changes in sleeping patterns, like sleeping more or less than usual
• Not wanting to engage in play or usual activities
• Needing more help than usual
• Showing behavior changes, such as more temper tantrums, sadness, or irritability than usual
• Changes in speech, like speaking more slowly than usual
• Vomiting right after the injury without other causes, such as a virus
• Appearing dazed, confused, and more clumsy than usual or seeming unsteady on their feet

School-aged children and adolescents (ages 5 to 17)A

• Appearing dazed, stunned, or confused about recent events
• Sudden difficulty remembering or concentrating, especially on topics or activities that would otherwise hold their attention
• Answering questions more slowly than usual
• Appearing more clumsy than usual, seeming unsteady on their feet
• Vomiting right after the injury without other causes, such as a virus
• Suddenly slowed reaction times
• Mood, behavior, or personality changes

Concussion danger signs

It can be hard to tell the difference between a possible concussion and a more life-threatening brain injury. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department if you notice any of the following danger signs following a bump, blow, or jolt to the head:

• Convulsions or seizures (shaking or twitching)
• Not able to recognize people or places
• Repeated nausea or vomiting
• Unusual behavior, increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation
• Loss of consciousness with increasing drowsiness, inability to wake up, or inability to stay awake
• Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
• A headache that gets worse and does not go away
• One pupil larger than the other or double vision

Concussion danger signs in infants and toddlers

• Any of the signs and symptoms listed above.
• Will not stop crying and cannot be consoled.
• Will not nurse or eat.

Resources

• Caring for your child's concussion (video)
• Caring for your child's concussion (handout)
• How can I help my child recover after a concussion? (handout)
• Letter to school on a child's concussion symptoms (handout)
• Information for coaches, parents, and athletes