Concussion (Pediatric)

Concussion (Pediatric)

  • Overview
  • Appointments
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatments
  • Patient Resources
  • Locations
  • Doctors

    • What is a concussion?

    A concussion is a kind of injury to the brain. It happens when the head or body receives a hard blow. The impact can jar or shake the brain against the skull. This interrupts the brain's normal activities. Although your child may have cuts or bruises on the head or face, your child may have no other visible signs of a brain injury. Your child may not have a CT or MRI scan. Damage to the brain from a concussion can't be seen in these tests. Also, CT and MRI scans have risks.

    Any child who has had a concussion at a sports event needs to stop all activity and not return to play. Being active again before the brain recovers can raise your child's risk of having a more serious brain injury.

    For a few weeks, your child may have low energy, dizziness, trouble sleeping, a headache, ringing in the ears, or nausea. Your child may also feel anxious, grumpy, or depressed. Your child may have problems with memory and concentration. These symptoms are common after a concussion. They should slowly improve over time. Sometimes this takes weeks or even months.

    Appointment Information

    To request an appointment or to get more information, please call 734-930-7400 and a team member will get back to you within two business days.

    Learn about the NeuroSport Concussion Care Program.

    What are the symptoms of a concussion?

    It is not always easy to know if someone has a concussion. You don't have to pass out (lose consciousness) to have a concussion.

    Symptoms of a concussion range from mild to severe and can last for hours, days, weeks, or even months. If you have multiple or repeated concussions, you may have more severe symptoms that can last longer. And it may take longer to recover. If you notice any symptoms of a concussion, contact your doctor.

    Symptoms of a concussion fit into four main categories:

    • Thinking and remembering
      • Not thinking clearly
      • Feeling slowed down
      • Not being able to concentrate
      • Not being able to remember new information
    • Physical
      • Nausea and vomiting
      • Headache
      • Fuzzy or blurry vision
      • Dizziness
      • Sensitivity to light or noise
      • Balance problems
      • Feeling tired or having no energy
    • Emotional and mood
      • Easily upset or angered
      • Sad
      • Nervous or anxious
      • More emotional
    • Sleep
      • Sleeping more than usual
      • Sleeping less than usual
      • Having a hard time falling asleep

    Symptoms in young children

    Young children can have the same symptoms of a concussion as older children and adults. But sometimes it can be hard to tell if a small child has a concussion. Young children may also have symptoms like:

    • Crying more than usual.
    • A headache that does not go away.
    • Changes in the way they play or act.
    • Changes in the way they nurse, eat, or sleep.
    • Being upset easily or having more temper tantrums.
    • A sad mood.
    • Lack of interest in their usual activities or favorite toys.
    • Loss of new skills, such as toilet training.
    • Loss of balance and trouble walking.
    • Not being able to pay attention.

    Symptoms in older adults

    Concussions in older adults can also be dangerous. This is because concussions in older adults are often missed. If you are caring for an older adult who has had a fall, check for symptoms of a concussion. Signs of a serious problem include a headache that gets worse, increasing confusion, or both. See a doctor right away if you notice these signs. If you are caring for an older adult who takes a blood thinner and who has had a fall, take them to a doctor right away, even if you don't see any symptoms of a concussion.

    How is a concussion diagnosed?

    If you've had a concussion, you need to see a doctor. They will ask questions and do tests to check your thinking, memory, strength, balance, and reflexes. An imaging test, such as a CT scan or an MRI, may be done to check for a brain injury.

    How is a concussion (mild traumatic brain injury) treated?

    After seeing a doctor, most people can go home. Others need to be watched in the hospital. Rest can help you recover. Get plenty of sleep, avoid alcohol and drugs, and don't do activities that are physically or mentally demanding. Don't return to sports or activities until the doctor says it's okay.

    Patient Resources

    Locations
    • NeuroSport Clinic | Brighton Center for Specialty Care 7500 Challis Rd
      Entrance 1 Level 1
      Brighton, MI 48116-9416       Get Directions
    • Pediatric Neurosurgery Clinic | C. S. Mott Children's Hospital 1540 E Hospital Dr
      Floor 3 Reception B
      Ann Arbor, MI 48109-4219       Get Directions
    • Pediatric Neurosurgery Clinic | Northville Health Center 39901 Traditions Dr
      Floor 2
      Northville, MI 48168-9493       Get Directions
    • Pediatric Neurosurgery Clinic | Sparrow Professional Building 1200 E Michigan Avenue
      Ste 340
      Lansing, MI 48912       Get Directions

    Doctors

     Search for a U-M Health doctor

    Hugh James Lauriston Garton, MD

    Professor

    Neurological Surgery

    Suresh Natesh Magge

    Suresh Natesh Magge, MD

    Clinical Professor

    Neurological Surgery

    Neena Ishwari Marupudi, MD

    Neena Ishwari Marupudi, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Neurological Surgery

    Karin Marie Muraszko, MD

    Karin Marie Muraszko, MD

    Professor

    Neurological Surgery

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