A concussion is any type of injury to the head that results in a change from how your brain normally functions. Concussions can happen in many different ways. Some ways include sports injuries, bike accidents, car accidents or falls. Concussions occur when the soft tissues of the brain bang against the inside of the skull. When this happens, nerves can be injured and blood vessels can be damaged.
A concussion can affect everyday activities. It can make it difficult for children to attend school and complete required assignments. It can make it challenging to interact with friends and family members.
Children may lose consciousness after a concussion, but blacking out does not mean a concussion is any more or less serious than when a child does not lose consciousness. Typical concussion symptoms include:
- Headache
- Trouble with lights and sounds
- Dizziness
- Off-balance
- Mood changes
- Sleep difficulties
- Concentration and memory changes
Any head injury can cause a concussion. If your child falls or bangs his or her head and shows signs of a concussion, he or she should stop his or her activity and be seen by a doctor right away. Getting a diagnosis is important, as children often need rest, medicines and extra help in school while they have concussive symptoms. It is very important to avoid activities that could cause a second concussion when your child is healing from a concussion.
Diagnosis of Concussion
Doctors at Riley at IU Health perform the following exams and tests to diagnose concussion:
- Clinical exam. Your child’s neurologist will ask questions about the injury and how your child is currently feeling. The doctor will then perform an exam that will look for signs of a concussion.
- Computer testing. Your child’s doctor may use certain kinds of computer testing to check things that are difficult to diagnose with a physical exam, such as memory and concentration problems and altered reaction time.
Treatments
Treatments
At Riley at IU Health, neurologists, pediatricians and emergency medicine doctors diagnose concussion. Treatments for concussion differ depending on your child’s specific symptoms. Treatments include:
- Medicines. Your child’s doctor may prescribe medicines to reduce some symptoms, such as pain medicine for headaches.
- Physical rest. To reduce stress on the brain and prevent re-injury, your child should only take part in basic day-to-day activities and avoid physical activity, including sports and play, until a medical professional clears him or her.
- Mental rest. Your child should initially avoid thinking activities that may strain the brain. These include using a computer or other device with a screen, watching TV and playing video games. Your child’s doctor will make specific recommendations. In general, children should avoid bright lights and loud noises that can aggravate symptoms.
- Physical therapy. If needed, your child may work with a physical therapist to aid rehabilitation and improve certain brain functions such as balance and coordination.
- Advocacy. Your child’s doctor will assist you in communicating with your child’s school about his or her capabilities to complete schoolwork during recovery and any necessary academic accommodations. Your child’s doctor will also work with you to talk with sports coaches about how and when your child can return to play.
With the proper care, most children usually recover from a concussion in a few weeks.
Key Points to Remember
Key Points to Remember
- A concussion is any type of injury to the head that results in a change from how your brain normally functions.
- A sports injury, bike accident, car accident or falls may cause a concussion.
- Symptoms include headache, dizziness, mood changes, sleep difficulties and concentration and memory changes.
- Treatment options include rest, medicines and physical therapy.
- Most children recover from a concussion in a few weeks.
Support Services & Resources
Support Services & Resources
Visit the links below to learn about support groups and resources for concussion.
Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention address ways adults can prevent, treat and minimize the risk of concussion in children, especially in sports.
This website from the American Academy of Pediatrics includes information about the symptoms, care and lingering effects of concussion in children as well as prevention strategies.
Concussion Research
Concussion Research
The neurology team at Riley at IU Health is conducting research on how school principals, doctors and other healthcare providers can better communicate about the needs of children with concussion.
Locations
Locations
Locations
In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.
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