As children head back to school and fall sports get underway, parents may be thinking about more than school supplies and sports equipment. Bumps and collisions are part of many youth sports, making it important to understand concussions — and what to do if one occurs.
The good news is that most children recover from a concussion with appropriate care. “Statistically speaking, almost everyone recovers with proper care,” says
Robert Bodroghy, MD, an assistant professor of neurology at Stony Brook Medicine.
What is a concussion?
A concussion occurs when a blow or other impact to the head temporarily changes how the brain normally works. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, nausea, difficulty concentrating, memory problems and changes in mood or sleep.
Because symptoms can be general and may not appear immediately, it can be difficult to determine whether a child has suffered a concussion at the moment of injury. Symptoms may develop over the next 48 to 72 hours.
“If your child has a head injury, they should be evaluated by a medical professional, particularly if symptoms develop or worsen,” says Dr. Bodroghy. For warning signs that require prompt medical attention, see “Know the Red Flags, below.
When can my child return to school?
Contrary to the common perception that children with concussions should go home, sit in a dark room and avoid all activity (which actually prolongs recovery), most children can gradually resume their normal routines relatively quickly.
Instead, once a child is feeling better and can manage normal activities at home, they can generally begin returning to school. “Appropriate care and rest are needed, but you don’t need to avoid any activities of daily living,” Dr. Bodroghy says.
If a child is not ready for a full school day, school personnel can help provide temporary academic accommodations while the child eases back into the classroom. Work with your pediatrician and school to determine the best approach, he advises.
When can my child return to sports?
Returning to athletics — particularly contact sports — requires more caution and should be individualized based on the severity of the injury and the child's recovery.
“A serious concussion that includes brain bleeds or seizures will necessarily be handled differently than a milder case,” says Dr. Bodroghy.
Before returning to full participation, student-athletes should complete a gradual, monitored “return-to-play” progression, typically overseen by qualified professional, once they can tolerate normal daily activities and a full day of school without significant symptoms.
“The message is, ‘Return to learn before returning to play,’” says Dr. Brodroghy.
The progression typically moves from light aerobic exercise to more intense exercise, sport-specific drills, non-contact practice and, finally, full-contact practice. Each step is generally separated by at least 24 hours, and athletes should only advance if symptoms do not return.
