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If no immediate signs are evident but you’re concerned that your child might have a concussion, watch for a cluster of symptoms, says Grady. “Signs are physical, but what the patient is experiencing — the symptoms — are the things you want to evaluate before calling your primary care doctor,” he says. Symptoms of a concussion include these problems:Vision changes, like eye strain, difficulty tracking and focusing, or sensitivity to light and soundMood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability, or perseveration (uncontrollable repetition of a particular response)Changes in cognition, like delays in reaction time, processing speed, or memoryHeadaches, nausea, dizziness, or loss of balanceExcessive fatigue during the day or sleeping more or less than usual For children with special needs who may be nonverbal or unable to communicate their symptoms, watch for cues that may alert you to something out of the ordinary, like being bothered by noise or bright lights. You may also see some regression of newly developed skills, like blurting out answers in class if he just learned to raise his hand or more meltdowns if she’s recently learned to self-regulate. If you’re seeing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician for a full evaluation, which will include specific tests for balance and eye tracking. “These evaluations are so important because if your child has balance or vision deficits, there are treatments that can help,” Grady says.
Does My Child Have a Concussion
Bumps and bruises are normal for physically active kids who explore the world head-on. But concussions are not. Here’s what you need to know about the signs and symptoms of a concussion and when to seek medical attention. By Michelle SeitzerMedically Reviewed by Michael R. Yochelson, MD, MBAReviewed: August 19, 2022Medically ReviewedSymptoms of a concussion can come immediately after a hit on the head, or they may appear days or weeks after the incident.Ivan Jekic/Getty ImagesKids are often prone to minor injuries, but it’s important to know how to differentiate a simple bump on the head from a potentially serious brain injury, such as a concussion.Start with a clear understanding of what a concussion is to better identify the signs and symptoms of concern — and to know when to consult your child’s healthcare provider. Simply put, a concussion is a brain injury, says Matthew Grady, MD, a sports medicine pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia who specializes in pediatric concussions. “There has to be a force that shakes the head, which can cause a change in brain function,” he says. “Structural changes to the brain would represent a different type of brain injury.” The sooner you intervene after a potential concussion the better, says Dr. Grady. “A late diagnosis or misdiagnosis can lead to longer-lasting symptoms,” he says.What to Look For When You Suspect a Concussion and When to Get Help
Symptoms of a concussion may not show up right away nor are they always easy to identify — particularly if your child has a high pain tolerance and doesn’t complain of headaches, eye strain, or other invisible symptoms. However, if your child experiences an injury and shows these immediate signs and symptoms, head straight to the ER:BleedingVomitingSlurred speechSevere head painMental confusionSignificant balance impairmentVision deficits (i.e., can’t look to the right or left)Weakness or numbness on one side of the bodyDifficulty rousing from sleepIf no immediate signs are evident but you’re concerned that your child might have a concussion, watch for a cluster of symptoms, says Grady. “Signs are physical, but what the patient is experiencing — the symptoms — are the things you want to evaluate before calling your primary care doctor,” he says. Symptoms of a concussion include these problems:Vision changes, like eye strain, difficulty tracking and focusing, or sensitivity to light and soundMood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability, or perseveration (uncontrollable repetition of a particular response)Changes in cognition, like delays in reaction time, processing speed, or memoryHeadaches, nausea, dizziness, or loss of balanceExcessive fatigue during the day or sleeping more or less than usual For children with special needs who may be nonverbal or unable to communicate their symptoms, watch for cues that may alert you to something out of the ordinary, like being bothered by noise or bright lights. You may also see some regression of newly developed skills, like blurting out answers in class if he just learned to raise his hand or more meltdowns if she’s recently learned to self-regulate. If you’re seeing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician for a full evaluation, which will include specific tests for balance and eye tracking. “These evaluations are so important because if your child has balance or vision deficits, there are treatments that can help,” Grady says.