Whether it’s a Friday night football game at Irving Schools Stadium or a weekend soccer tournament at Northwest Park, sports are the heartbeat of our community. But as any parent or coach knows, with high energy comes the risk of injury.
When a student-athlete takes a hard hit to the head or a jolt to the body, the immediate aftermath can be overwhelming. You might wonder: Is it just a bump, or is it something more? Understanding the concussion symptoms and the proper medical steps to take isn’t just about following school rules; it’s about protecting your child’s developing brain and their future.
What Exactly Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.
Unlike a broken arm, a concussion is an “invisible” injury. You can’t see a concussion on the outside. The CDC says signs and symptoms may take hours or days to appear or be noticed.
Recognizing Concussion Symptoms in Student-Athletes
As a parent or coach, you are the first line of defense. Recognizing concussion symptoms early helps you get your child to a health care provider, and the CDC says that care can help speed recovery. The CDC groups symptoms into four types: physical, thinking and remembering, social or emotional, and sleep.
Physical Red Flags
- Headache or “pressure” in the head.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Balance problems or dizziness.
- Sensitivity to light or noise.
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, or groggy.
Cognitive and Emotional Changes
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering.
- Feeling “foggy” or slowed down.
- Irritability, sadness, or becoming more emotional than usual.
- Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping more or less than usual).
The CDC advises that if a concussion is suspected after a hit, the athlete should be removed from play right away and kept out until cleared by a healthcare provider.
The Critical Window: When to Seek Emergency Care
The CDC notes it can be hard to tell a possible concussion from a more life-threatening brain injury. You should head to the nearest Irving emergency room or urgent care if your child experiences “danger signs,” such as:
- One pupil is larger than the other.
- Drowsiness or inability to wake up.
- A headache that gets worse and does not go away.
- Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination.
- Repeated vomiting or nausea.
- Slurred speech or convulsions.
When to Get a CT Scan After a Hit
A common question parents ask is, “When to get a CT scan after a hit?” According to the CDC, most children will not need a CT or MRI scan of their brain after a concussion. MedlinePlus notes that a head CT can look for problems such as bleeding in or around the brain.
Your provider will perform a clinical evaluation first to determine if imaging is necessary.
The Danger of Rushing Back: A Repeat Concussion
The CDC says athletes who return to sports too soon, while their brain is still healing, are more likely to get a repeat concussion.
Repeat concussions can be very serious. They may cause permanent changes in the brain, affecting your child for a lifetime.
The Path to Recovery: Return-to-Learn and Return-to-Play Guidelines
Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. The CDC describes two processes, returning to school and returning to sports, and says they can happen at the same time.
Step 1: Returning to the Classroom (Return-to-Learn)
Before a child can return to the field, they must be able to handle the cognitive demands of school. Thinking and learning are exercises for the brain.
- Rest: At first, the student may need rest breaks and homework help.
- Accommodations: They might need extra time on tests or a quiet environment to avoid light and noise triggers.
- Progression: As concussion symptoms subside, academic workloads are gradually increased.
Step 2: Graduated Return-to-Play Protocol
Once a student is back to regular activities, such as school, and a healthcare provider approves, they can begin the return-to-learn and return-to-play guidelines. The CDC counts that as step 1 of six. The next five steps happen under a healthcare provider’s supervision:
- Back to Light Aerobic Activity: 5–10 minutes of walking or stationary cycling. No weightlifting.
- Moderate Exercise: Increasing heart rate with jogging or brisk walking.
- Non-contact Training Drills: Adding sport-specific movements (e.g., running laps, dribbling) but no head impact.
- Practice: Full contact practice only after medical clearance.
- Return to Competition: Full game play.
The CDC says each step typically takes a minimum of 24 hours. If any concussion symptoms return during a step, the athlete should stop and contact their healthcare provider. After more rest and no symptoms, they can restart at the previous step.
Keep Your Student-Athletes Safe: Understand Concussions and Recovery Steps
Concussions are serious, and early intervention can make all the difference in your child’s recovery. Ensure they are following proper concussion protocols for a safe return to play. Learn the signs, when to seek help, and how to support your child’s recovery journey.
If a head injury brings danger signs such as one dilated pupil, repeated vomiting, a worsening headache, slurred speech, a seizure, or trouble waking, call 911 or get emergency concussion care at ER of Irving right away.
Call us now at (972) 893-3148 for immediate assistance or to speak with a healthcare professional.
Stay informed with helpful tips on recognizing a concussion and keeping your family safe. Follow ER of Irving on Facebook and Instagram for health updates.
FAQs
How long do concussion symptoms usually last?
According to the CDC, most children with a concussion feel better within 2 to 4 weeks. A history of previous concussions or more severe early symptoms raises the chance of a longer recovery.
Can my child sleep after a hit to the head?
Yes. The old advice to “keep them awake” has changed. The CDC says to let your child sleep as usual and not to prevent them from sleeping. However, you should monitor them for any of the “danger signs” mentioned above.
Does a helmet prevent all concussions?
No. The CDC says there is no concussion-proof helmet, but a helmet can help protect against a serious brain or head injury.
When should I call the doctor?
You should contact a healthcare provider for any suspected concussion. If symptoms are getting worse, seek medical attention immediately.
Why is my child so moody after their concussion?
Irritability and emotional changes are concussion symptoms. The CDC notes that children may feel frustrated, sad, and even angry during recovery, and that these feelings are common.
Is a “ding” or “getting your bell rung” a concussion?
It can be. If a “ding” causes concussion signs or symptoms, the CDC says to remove the athlete from play right away. A healthcare provider should then check them.
