Related concepts:

Head injury

Introduction to concussion:

Children’s energetic exploration of life often results in head "bonks.” Fortunately, most of them are not serious. Nevertheless, when we hear the awful thud of a child's head, our breath catches for a moment...

What is concussion?

A brief, temporary loss of consciousness following a blow to the head is called a concussion. It is possible to have a mild concussion without losing consciousness completely. Any brief alteration in consciousness, vision, and balance following a head injury could be a mild concussion.

Who gets concussion?

Is toddlerhood a contact sport?

Almost every child experiences minor head injuries. They occur throughout childhood and adolescence. They are most common in infants and toddlers and then later when children engage in contact sports.

What are the symptoms of concussion?

The classic symptom of a concussion is a brief loss of consciousness. A mild concussion might only cause brief confusion or momentary amnesia. It can be normal to have a headache, feel sleepy, or vomit once or twice afterwards.

In a baby or toddler, a prompt cry after a head injury is reassuring. The following is a list of signals that tell you that you need to talk with your pediatrician, either initially, or again if they develop after the first conversation:

If your child is (or has):

• Under 6 months of age
• Unconscious, even briefly
• Crying for longer than 10 minutes
• Vomiting repeatedly
• Bleeding or clear liquid from the ears or nose
• Rapid swelling just above the ear
• Unable to walk or talk normally
• Unequal pupil size
• Severe, worsening headache (or irritability before a child can talk)
• Neck pain
• Seizures
• Skull indentation or large bump
• Great force of injury (car accident, long fall, baseball bat, etc.)
• Changes in behaviour, such as being sleepy and difficult to arouse>

If any of these symptoms or situations is present, call your physician right away. Your child may be fine but you should be in touch with an expert. If your child is unable to get up by himself immediately after the head injury, there may also be a neck injury. It might be best not to move him. Call 911 and wait for emergency help to arrive.

Is concussion contagious?

Concussions and head injuries are not contagious, although the risk-taking behavior that leads to them can be.

How long does concussion last?

The loss of consciousness from a concussion may last only a few seconds, but it can last considerably longer. If it lasts a few minutes or longer, the child will likely need to be hospitalized for observation or treatment.

New symptoms can develop after a head injury during the next 24 to 48 hours, especially if there is some internal bleeding.

How is concussion diagnosed?

The nature and extent of a head injury is first assessed based on the story and on the physical exam.