Children and teens who show or report one or more of the signs and symptoms listed below, or simply say they just “don’t feel right” after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, may have a concussion or more serious brain injury.
Download PDF: Heads Up
Courtesy of CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/basics/concussion_symptoms.html
Concussion Signs Observed
Can’t recall events prior to or after a hit or fall
Appears dazed or stunned
Forgets an instruction, is confused about an assignment or position, or is unsure of the game, score or opponent
Moves clumsily
Answers questions slowly
Loses consciousness (even briefly)
Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes
Concussion Symptoms Reported
Headache or “pressure” in the head
Nausea or vomiting
Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision
Bothered by light or noise
Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
Confusion, or concentration or memory problems
Just not “feeling right,” or “feeling down”
Signs and symptoms generally show up soon after the injury. However, you may not know how serious the injury is at first and some symptoms may not show up for hours or days. For example, in the first few minutes your child or teen might be a little confused or a bit dazed, but an hour later your child might not be able to remember how they got hurt.
You should check for signs of concussions right after the injury and a few days after the injury. If your child or teen’s concussion signs or symptoms get worse, you should take them to the emergency department right away.