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.

Our Manassas, VA location is excited to announce the launch of new health services for kids, teens, and young adults!

In addition to our full pediatric urgent care offerings, we now provide:

• STD Testing & Counseling – Teens ages 13+ can access confidential, compassionate STD testing and counseling with results typically available in just a few days.

• IV Therapy for Dehydration & Recovery – Whether from a viral illness or intense sports practice, our IV hydration therapy helps patients bounce back safely and quickly.

• Emotional Wellness with Enrichly – Preventative care now includes self-esteem coaching and wellness check-ins, giving children and teens the tools to manage stress and grow emotionally.

• Concussion Management – Head injury? We’ve got you covered. Our team now offers thorough concussion assessments to support a safe and informed recovery.

We’re proud to offer more care, closer to home in Manassas, VA. Stop by today—no appointment necessary!