I am concerned about head injuries to a child caused by contact sports. What are the symptoms of a concussion and what does recovery look like after a concussion?
Most sports-related head injuries that cause concussions are mild and occur from a direct blow to the head, face, or body. The term “concussion” refers to a mild traumatic brain injury.
For a short time, this type of damage disrupts how the brain works, but it does not change the appearance of the brain. It does not cause the brain to swell or bleed. Children with these types of injuries typically make a full recovery.
Symptoms of a concussion may include:
- Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Balance problems or dizziness.
- Double or blurred vision.
- Sensitivity to light or noise.
- Feeling tired, sluggish, groggy or groggy.
- Difficulty paying attention.
- Memory problems.
- Confusion.
- Being slow to understand and respond to others.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Mood changes and irritability.
- Changes in behavior.
- Changes in personality.
If a concussion is suspected during contact sports, it is best for a child not to return to play until symptoms improve. In other words, “If in doubt, throw it out.” Children can have a concussion without losing consciousness. Also, a blow to the body that hits the head can cause a concussion. Make sure your child’s coach knows if your child has had a previous concussion.
If you think your child has a concussion, seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can determine how serious the injury is. The healthcare professional can also determine when it is safe for your child to return to sports, school and other activities.
Head injuries take time to heal. After a concussion, children must rest from both physical and mental activities to avoid the risk of further head trauma. They can return to activities slowly as their symptoms allow and as their health care professionals say.
It is OK to do light activities such as a brisk walk, basic chores, and some puzzles or games if they do not increase symptoms.
As symptoms improve, children can slowly return to the activity level they had before the concussion. A slow return to learning and physical activity is key. Children should take a break or do less if activities such as reading or jogging increase headaches or other symptoms.
Your child’s healthcare professional will help guide your child’s return to school and sports. The health professional also gives you specific instructions for teachers and coaches.
Common concussion symptoms may include:
- Difficulty with thinking skills, such as memory and attention.
- Dizziness.
- Fatigue.
- Headache.
- Irritability.
- Sleeping more or less than usual.
Your child may require classroom or workload adjustments when they return to school after a concussion. These may include a lighter course load, extra time for assignments, or a shortened school day.
When returning to physical activity after a concussion, your child should start at a low level of exercise. Your child can do more strenuous physical activity as symptoms allow. Do not allow your child to return to the doctor and risk head contact until cleared by a healthcare professional. If your child participates in sports, your health care professional will help you create a return-to-play plan based on your child’s symptoms.
Children may develop complications or have delayed healing if they have another head injury before a concussion has healed. Another blow to the head while a concussion is healing can result in symptoms worsening or lasting longer.
Researchers continue to study other potential long-term effects of concussions. Experts are still trying to understand the effects of repeated concussions.
Symptoms that last longer than the usual recovery period are called persistent post-concussion symptoms. This is also called post-concussion syndrome. It is not clear why some people develop this syndrome and others do not. Some studies suggest that underlying health conditions or repeated concussions may increase the risk of persistent post-concussion symptoms.
Rarely, what you first think is a concussion turns out to be a more serious brain injury with bleeding in or around the brain. Such bleeding can increase pressure on the brain and be life-threatening.
If your child develops any of the following symptoms after a head injury, seek medical attention immediately:
- Loss of consciousness.
- Attack.
- Severe and worsening headache.
- One pupil that is larger than the other.
- Slurred speech.
- Behavior that is not usual, such as agitation or severe confusion.
- Being very drowsy or unable to be roused from sleep.
- Vomiting.
To protect your child from head injuries, insist on the right protective gear and a proper fit. This includes wearing a helmet during sports and other activities. But even the best protective gear doesn’t prevent concussions.
If you think your child has a concussion, contact a healthcare professional. They can check how serious it is and tell you when your child can safely return to sports and other activities.
18 July 2025
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