Head injuries are common in childhood—from playground falls to sports injuries to everyday accidents. Here’s what you need to know about recognizing and managing concussions in your children.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. While most aren’t life-threatening, they require proper care. Important: You don’t have to lose consciousness to have a concussion—most people don’t.

Recognizing the Signs

Symptoms can appear immediately or develop over hours or days. Watch for:

• Headache or pressure in the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Confusion or feeling “foggy”
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability or mood changes
• Changes in sleep patterns

In young children: Excessive crying, changes in eating or sleeping, loss of interest in activities, or appearing dazed.

When to Seek Immediate Emergency Care

Go to the ER right away for:

• Loss of consciousness over one minute
• Severe or worsening headache
• Repeated vomiting
• Seizures
• Weakness or difficulty walking
• Slurred speech
• Unequal pupils
• Increasing confusion or cannot be awakened

When to Visit Urgent Care

Visit us if your child has a head injury with any concussion symptoms, or if you’re uncertain about severity. Our team will perform a thorough assessment of your child, provide a diagnosis, and create a recovery plan. When it comes to head injuries in Manassas children, it’s always better to be cautious.

What to Do After Your Child’s Head Injury

First 24-48 hours:

• Monitor your child for new or worsening symptoms
• Allow rest and sleep (check on them every 2-3 hours)
• Limit screen time significantly
• Keep them from physical activities
• Use acetaminophen for pain if needed (avoid ibuprofen initially)
• No activities that could result in another head injury

Recovery Guidelines

Most children recover within 1-2 weeks with proper rest. The key is gradual return to activities.

Initial rest: No sports, limited school tasks, reduced screen time, and quiet activities only.

Step-by-step return:

1. Light activities at home
2. Return to school (with modifications if needed)
3. Light physical activity
4. Non-contact practice or exercise
5. Full activities with medical clearance

Critical rule: If your child’s symptoms return at any step, go back to resting. Never allow return to sports or high-risk activities the same day as the injury.

Age-Specific Considerations

Young children: Developing brains are especially vulnerable to injury. Young children may not be able to articulate their symptoms, making careful observation by parents critical.

School-age children and teens: Recovery takes longer in young people, and returning to activities too soon increases risk of complications. Your child may need temporary accommodations at school during recovery.

Young athletes: Complete symptom resolution and medical clearance are required before any return to contact sports. Returning too early risks serious complications from a second injury.

The Bottom Line

Concussions in children and teens should always be taken seriously. Don’t hesitate to seek evaluation after your child experiences a head injury—early recognition and proper recovery are crucial for their developing brains.

Night Watch Manassas is here for your family—walk-ins welcome for pediatric concussion evaluations.