Imagine this: your child takes a tumble on the playground and hits their head with a sickening thud. They’re dazed, crying, and clutching their head. 

As the initial shock subsides, a wave of worry washes off you.

Could it be a concussion?

This scenario is all too common for parents!

Pediatric concussions are a leading cause of emergency room visits for children. But how can you tell if your child has a concussion, and what steps should you take next?

Don’t worry; this blog post is your one-stop guide to understanding pediatric concussions. 

From recognizing symptoms, navigating the often-confusing recovery process, and ensuring your child gets the proper care to heal safely and completely. 

What is a Pediatric Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a bump or blow to the head or body. (1)

This disrupts the brain’s normal function, leading to a variety of symptoms that can range from headache and dizziness to difficulty concentrating and irritability.  

Unlike adults, children may not always exhibit the classic signs of concussion, making diagnosis a bit trickier for parents and caregivers. 

What Makes a Pediatric Concussion Different?

A child’s brain is still under construction, making it more vulnerable to injury than an adult’s fully developed brain. (2)

This vulnerability translates to a broader range of potential symptoms after a concussion. 

Additionally, young children might struggle to communicate their discomfort effectively. They may not have the vocabulary to describe symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or fogginess accurately. 

Instead, they might use more general terms like “tummy ache” or “I don’t feel good,” making it more challenging for parents and healthcare providers to pinpoint a concussion. 

When to Call 911

While some concussions don’t require emergency medical attention, some red flags necessitate a trip to the ER. 

These include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Severe or worsening neck pain
• Increasing confusion
• Repeated vomiting
• Seizures
• Weakness or numbness in limbs
• Slurred speech
• Deteriorating alertness
• Severe headache
• Unusual behavior
• Unequal pupils

It’s important to note that many concussions do not result in a loss of consciousness or even the red flag symptoms. 

So the bottom line is to listen to your parent instincts. If in doubt, get them checked out!

Recommendations for Pediatric Concussion Recovery

The good news for parents facing a child’s concussion diagnosis is a shift in recommended recovery approaches.

In the past, complete rest was the go-to strategy. 

However, recent research shows that most children recover better with active recovery, not complete inactivity. (3, 4)

Active recovery doesn’t mean your child should jump back into strenuous activities like sports practice.

Instead, it emphasizes gentle movement and engagement that doesn’t worsen concussion symptoms. Think light walks, gentle stretches, or low-impact cardio. This approach helps the brain heal by promoting blood flow and stimulating the nervous system, ultimately leading to a faster and more complete recovery.

So, even though resting until symptoms vanish might sound appealing, it can be counterproductive. Studies suggest that inactivity may prolong concussion symptoms, causing unnecessary frustration for your child.

Step-by-Step Recovery: Return to Learn (RTL)

While getting your child back to physical activity is important, their academic well-being is equally crucial!

This is where the concept of Return to Learn (RTL) comes in. 

RTL is a vital step in the recovery process that focuses on gradually reintroducing your child to school work while managing their concussion symptoms. 

This might look like:

• Reduced School Attendance: Initially, a few days of rest might be necessary, followed by a gradual transition back to full-time schooling.

• Brain Breaks: Short breaks throughout the day to allow the brain to rest and prevent system exacerbation.

• Modified Assignments: Extra time on tests, reduced homework loads, and alternative assignments can help your child keep up without causing undue stress.

Once your child progresses through RTL and their symptoms improve, they can cautiously consider a return to sports activities through a structured Return to Sports (RTS) process.

Returning to Sports (RTS) Safely

The Return to Sports (RTS) stepwise process emphasizes gradually increasing physical activity, starting with light cardio activities like walking or stationary cycling.

As symptoms allow, the intensity and complexity of activities can increase, eventually leading to drills and practice. 

It’s crucial to remember that both RTL and RTS should be individualized based on your child’s specific recovery timeline and symptom presentation. 

Working closely with your healthcare professional and a physical therapist ensures a safe and successful return to both learning and playing.  

Seeking Professional Help: Physical Therapists as Concussion Specialists

A pediatric physical therapist can create a safe and effective active recovery program specifically for your child. 

This program might include:

• Balance and Coordination Exercises: Concussions can disrupt balance and coordination. A physical therapist can help your child regain control and confidence in their movements through targeted exercises while promoting blood flow and stimulating the nervous system, both crucial for healing.

• Vestibular Rehab (Inner Ear Exercises): Dizziness is a common symptom of concussion. Vestibular rehab exercises help retain the inner ear, which plays an important role in balance, to improve dizziness and spatial awareness.

• Strategies to Manage Headaches and Dizziness: Persistent headaches and dizziness can frustrate children. A physical therapist can teach them relaxation strategies and postural adjustments to manage these symptoms effectively, allowing them to participate in safe, low-level activities. 

• Gradual Return to Sports Training: Reintegrating your child into their favorite sport requires a safe and structured approach. A physical therapist can design a progressive exercise program that gradually increases intensity and complexity, incorporating active recovery principles while ensuring a successful return to sports participation.

Concussion Resources for Parents

For more information on concussions and how to help your child recover, visit our resources:

• Optimal Sports Physical Therapy Concussion Information
• Optimal Sports Physical Therapy Pediatric Concussion Information
• Save the Brain
• CDC HEADS Up to Youth Sports

Don’t Wait! Get Your Child on the Road to Recovery

Concussions are serious, but with prompt diagnosis and proper treatment, most children recover fully. 

If you suspect your child has a concussion, contact a concussion specialist. The sooner you seek active recovery, the better your child’s recovery will be.

Help your child heal faster with active recovery!

Call Optimal Sports Physical Therapy today at 406-502-1782 for a personalized concussion recovery plan.

Resources

1. “Heads Up | HEADS UP | CDC Injury Center.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/index.html. Accessed 18 April 2024.
2. “Report to Congress on The Management of TBI in Children | Concussion | Traumatic Brain Injury | CDC Injury Center.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/pubs/congress-childrentbi.html. Accessed 18 April 2024.
3. “Active Recovery from Concussion – PMC.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7046089/. Accessed 18 April 2024.
4. “,.” , – YouTube, 5 March 2024, https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/bjsports/57/11/695.full.pdf. Accessed 18 April 2024.