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Concussions in Children

A concussion is an injury to the brain. Kids don’t have to be knocked out to have a concussion. A fall, a hit to the head or anything that shakes the brain inside the skull can cause this hidden injury. Concussions can be mild or serious. At Nemours Children's, we have the skill and technology to diagnose different levels of concussion — and our experts know the right way to help your child’s brain heal.

Concussion in Sports and Recreation

If a concussion occurs during sports and recreation related activities, implement the HEADS UP action plan. Athletes with a suspected concussion should never return to sports or recreation activities the day of the injury and until a licensed medical provider, experienced in evaluating concussions, says they are symptom-free and it’s OK to return to play.

Post-Concussion Syndrome

Symptoms of post-concussion syndrome develop 4-6 weeks after a concussion, and may include headaches, difficulty concentrating, poor school performance, depression, balance difficulties, and dizziness that can last for several months or more after the initial injury. Post-concussion syndrome is a disorder in which some symptoms, such as headache and dizziness, persist for weeks or months following a concussion. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that is usually caused by a blow to the head or by whiplash-type movement of the head. There is no specific treatment for post-concussion syndrome, but medications and other therapies may help relieve some of the symptoms. Every brain injury is different, and it is important that you consult with a neurologist if you suspect you have a concussion or brain injury.

Additional Concussion Resources

• A. I. DuPont Nemours Children’s Health System -- Concussions
  Nemours pediatric concussion experts have years of experience in diagnosing and treating concussions in children and teens. In addition to offering a full range of services, therapies and advanced technology, they stay on the leading edge of concussion research.
• Brainline.org – Concussion in Kids
  Provides information for people with TBI, families & friends, and professionals in various formats.
• CDC -- National Concussion Surveillance System
  CDC is committed to finding answers for Americans concerned about concussion and other traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
• Children with Special Health Care Needs
  Delaware’s Office of Children with Special Health Care Needs works to improve the well-being of children with special health needs.
• Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) also known as repetitive brain trauma.
• Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – What’s the Issue?
• HEADS UP to Brain Injury Awareness
• KidsHealth from Nemours -- Concussions
  Information on chronic childhood conditions or diseases.
• Potential Effects
• Prevention
• Recovery
• Severe TBI
• Signs and Symptoms
• TBI: Get the Facts
• The Dana Foundation – Brain Connections for Patients & Caregivers
  Brain Connections provides links to validated sites and outside resources reviewed by scientific advisors.
• Think First – Concussion Fast Facts
  ThinkFirst's Mission is to prevent brain, spinal cord and other traumatic injuries through education, research and advocacy. Or as they like to say, Use your Mind to Protect your Body!
• ThinkFirst – National Injury Prevention Foundation
  Use this page to find Delaware Chapters in Dover, Newark, and Wilmington or click here if you are interested in starting a chapter in Sussex County.
• Youth Sports Safety Alliance – National Action Plan for Sports Safety
  The National Action Plan for Sports Safety was created to bring to light the benefits and potential risk to students athletes while playing sports.

The Center for Disease Control’s website also offers free information for parents, coaches, school and sports professionals on their “Heads Up” page. Available information includes training, customizable PDF sheets, mobile apps, videos, graphics, podcasts, and social media.

Read the Center for Disease Control’s Fact Sheet about Concussion and Brain Injury.