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Concussion Toolkit


Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion

Guidelines for When to Call Your Child's Doctor

Patient and DoctorYour child does not have to lose consciousness (pass out) to have a concussion. There are many signs associated with a concussion and your child may not show any symptoms until a few days after the head injury. 

Your child may have a headache after the head injury. Other symptoms may include:

  • Confusion
  • Clumsy movement or dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Memory loss
  • Tiredness
  • Upset stomach
  • Vision problems
  • Sensitivity to noise and light
  • Numbness or tingling anywhere on the body
  • Loss of balance or trouble walking
  • Mentally foggy, cannot think clearly or remember things
  • Slurred speech or other changes in speech
  • Irritable or more fussy than usual
  • Acts differently than normal (does not play, acts fussy or seems confused)
  • More emotional, pehaps very sad or nervous
  • Different sleeping patterns

What if my child has these symptoms?

  • For parentsYour child should be evaluated by a doctor if he shows any signs or symptoms of a concussion.
  • Your child should stop all physical activities until his doctor says it is OK to resume them. 
  • Check on your child often after the injury. 
  • If you have questions or concerns about how your child looks or feels, call your child's doctor.
     
 
SuspectAConcussion?

    If you think your child may have a concussion, talk to your child's doctor. If a doctor has diagnosed your child with a concussion and you still have questions about their treatment, you may call our concussion nurse coordinator at 404-785-1111 or 1-800-785-CHOA.

    The Children's Urgent Care Centers and Emergency Departments offer care for children and teens with concussions. In case of an urgent concern or emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away.

 
     
CallTheDoctor

  • Call the doctor right away if your child:

    • Develops new symptoms that your doctor does not already know about or existing symptoms worsen.
    • Has blood or watery fluid draining from the ears or nose.
    • Looks confused or dazed.
    • Cannot see or speak clearly.
    • Vomits repeatedly.
    • Has headaches that worsen.
    • Has a seizure.
    • Complains of severe neck pain.
    • Shows progressive drowsiness or is hard to wake up.
    • Has weakness in his arms or legs.
    • Cannot recognize people or places.
    • Passes out.
    • Has a large bump or bruise on scalp, especially in infants younger than 12 months of age.
    In case of an urgent concern or emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away.
     
 
DidYouKnow?

    Normal activities like watching television, texting, playing video games and using a computer may worsen concussion symptoms. Reading and studying can be equally as stressful to the brain; therefore, school schedules may need to be modified. This restriction of activities is known as cognitive rest.