Concussions are a common injury among children and adolescents, particularly those who participate in sports. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, disrupting normal brain function. While most concussions are mild, they still require proper care and management to prevent long-term complications. At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, we specialize in pediatric concussion treatment and care, helping families throughout Atlanta navigate the recovery process with expert guidance and support. Whether your child was injured on the field or in everyday play, we’re here to ensure a full and safe recovery.
The Growing Concern: Concussions in Youth Sports
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sports-related concussions are on the rise, with more than 300,000 concussions reported annually in young athletes across the U.S. Contact sports like football, soccer, basketball, and cheerleading carry the highest risk of head injuries. In response to this growing concern, Georgia and other states have implemented specific concussion protocols to protect young athletes and ensure proper recovery before returning to play.
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Recognizing the Signs: Common Concussion Symptoms in Children
Concussions can present a wide range of symptoms, and it’s essential to recognize these early to prevent further injury. Symptoms may appear immediately after the injury or take several hours or even days to develop. Parents, coaches, and teachers should be aware of the following signs of a concussion:
Headache or pressure in the head
Headache is one of the most common symptoms of a concussion and can range from mild to severe.
Confusion or disorientation
Children with a concussion may seem dazed, confused, or have trouble remembering what happened before or after the injury.
Dizziness or balance issues
Feeling dizzy, unsteady, or experiencing trouble with coordination is a common symptom of a concussion.
Nausea or vomiting
Many children report feeling nauseous or may vomit following a head injury.
Sensitivity to light or sound
Bright lights and loud noises may become intolerable for children recovering from a concussion.
Blurred or double vision
Visual disturbances such as blurred vision, difficulty focusing, or seeing double are red flags of a possible concussion.
Memory problems or difficulty concentrating
Children with a concussion may have trouble concentrating in school, remembering recent events, or following conversations.
Sleep disturbances
Concussions can disrupt sleep patterns, causing either insomnia or excessive sleepiness.
While some symptoms resolve quickly, others may persist for weeks or even months. It’s crucial to monitor your child closely following a head injury and seek medical evaluation if any of these symptoms are present.
Immediate Steps: What to Do if You Suspect a Concussion
If you suspect your child has sustained a concussion, it’s essential to act quickly to ensure proper care. Follow these steps:
Remove your child from activity immediately
If your child was playing a sport or engaging in physical activity, remove them from the game or practice right away. Continuing to play after a head injury can worsen the condition and increase the risk of further injury.
Seek medical evaluation
Contact your pediatrician or visit an urgent care center for an evaluation as soon as possible. Even if symptoms seem mild, a healthcare provider can assess the severity of the concussion and recommend the appropriate treatment plan.
Follow a strict rest period
Rest is the most critical part of concussion recovery. Limit both physical and cognitive activities, including schoolwork, video games, screen time, and sports, until cleared by a medical professional.
Monitor symptoms closely
Keep a close eye on your child’s symptoms for any changes or worsening. Seek immediate medical attention if they experience a severe headache, repeated vomiting, loss of consciousness, or worsening confusion.
Pediatric Concussion Treatment and Care
At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, we provide comprehensive concussion care for children, focusing on safe recovery and long-term brain health. Our pediatricians use a careful, step-by-step approach to ensure your child heals properly and returns to their normal activities without risk of further injury.
Rest and Recovery
The primary treatment for a concussion is rest–both physical and cognitive. Your child will need to take a break from sports, exercise, schoolwork, and any mentally taxing activities. Depending on the severity of the concussion, your child may need to stay home from school for a few days and gradually resume normal activities as symptoms improve.
Return-to-Play Guidelines
For young athletes, a return-to-play protocol is essential to ensure they are ready to resume sports safely. This protocol involves gradually increasing physical activity under the supervision of a healthcare provider and requires that your child be symptom-free before participating in full-contact sports.
Cognitive Therapy
For children experiencing ongoing difficulties with memory, concentration, or learning, cognitive therapy may be recommended. This type of therapy focuses on improving brain function through targeted exercises, helping your child overcome lingering cognitive symptoms.
Follow-Up Care
Children who experience concussions should be closely monitored for any changes in behavior, school performance, or physical abilities. We provide follow-up care to ensure that your child’s symptoms continue to improve and that they are fully prepared to return to their usual activities.
Concussion Protocol in Youth Sports: Georgia’s Guidelines
In Georgia, youth athletes are protected by the Return to Play Act, which outlines specific procedures to follow when a player sustains a concussion. The law requires:
- Immediate removal from play if a concussion is suspected during a practice or game.
- Evaluation by a healthcare professional trained in concussion management before returning to play.
- Written clearance from a healthcare provider before the athlete can return to sports.
These guidelines are designed to protect children from the potentially severe consequences of returning to play too soon after a head injury. At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, we adhere to these protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of our young athletes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Concussions
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Recovery times vary, but most children recover from a concussion within 1 to 2 weeks. However, some may experience symptoms for several months, requiring longer recovery.
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Yes, children who have had one concussion are at a higher risk of sustaining another, especially if they return to sports too soon. Repeated concussions can have cumulative effects on brain health.
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Contact sports such as football, soccer, basketball, and hockey pose the highest risk, but concussions can occur in any sport, including cheerleading and gymnastics.
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Your child should return to school once their symptoms have significantly improved. They may need accommodations, such as reduced screen time or shorter school days, as they transition back to normal academic activities.
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Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, may be recommended for headache relief, but always consult your pediatrician before giving any medication following a concussion.
Schedule an Appointment for Pediatric Concussion Treatment in Atlanta
If your child has sustained a head injury or you suspect a concussion, contact Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine to schedule an evaluation. Our team provides expert concussion care, ensuring your child recovers fully and safely. We serve families throughout Atlanta at our locations in Glenwood Park, Brookhaven, and Decatur.