Before your child steps onto a football field, hockey rink, soccer pitch, or other contact-sports setting, learn the concussion signs in children and what to do if an injury occurs. Concussions aren’t always obvious, and a child doesn’t need to lose consciousness to have one. Recognizing symptoms early and following medical guidance will help protect your child’s recovery and health.
How Do I Know If My Child Has a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by an impact to the head or body that makes the head jolt back and forth and the brain move inside the skull. A concussion can temporarily affect brain functions like:
- Thinking
- Memory
- Balance
- Mood
- Emotions
- Behavior
- Sleep
A concussion is not simply a bruise on the head, and it cannot be ruled out just because a child stayed awake or says they feel fine, and there is no single at-home check that can reliably rule out a concussion. A healthcare professional should assess a child within 24 to 48 hours of any suspected concussion. Concussions are serious injuries with effects that can last into adulthood, so proper treatment is vital.
Concussion Signs in Children That Parents and Coaches Sometimes Miss
Concussion symptoms vary, and signs of a concussion in a child could appear immediately or develop over the hours or days that follow. Some children may struggle to describe symptoms, so adults should watch for behavior changes.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Physical Changes – headache, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, blurry vision, or balance problems
- Thinking and Memory Changes – confusion, slower responses, difficulty concentrating, or trouble remembering what happened
- Mood or Behavior Changes – irritability, unusual sadness, nervousness, or seeming unlike themselves
- Sleep and Energy Changes – fatigue, sleeping more or less than usual, or feeling sluggish
Coaches and parents may miss quieter signs, such as a child becoming withdrawn, answering questions slowly, or struggling with instructions. Children may minimize symptoms because they want to keep playing.
A concussion can occur without a direct blow to the head; a collision or fall that jolts the body may be enough. If a concussion is suspected, remove your child from play immediately and don’t allow same-day return.
Get emergency help right away if your child experiences:
- Worsening headache
- Repeated vomiting
- Seizure
- Increasing confusion
- Unusual behavior
- Weakness or numbness
- Slurred speech
- One pupil larger than the other
- Difficulty waking up
Call 911 for severe or quickly worsening symptoms.
Why Return-to-Learn Matters as Much as Return-to-Play
Return-to-Learn
A concussion can affect attention, memory, reading, and tolerance for noise or screens, which can make a regular school day difficult. A return-to-learn plan may include:
- Breaks for rest
- Extra time for assignments
- Reduced workload
- Temporary adjustments to the school day
Most children return to school within a day or two, with support tailored to symptoms. Keep teachers informed so they can monitor progress and adjust accommodations.
Return-to-Play
Physical activity should resume gradually, through a step-by-step progression guided by a healthcare professional. If symptoms return during a step, the child should stop, and their pediatrician should be contacted for guidance.
Children should not return to competition until they have completed the required progression and received medical clearance. A youth sports return-to-play process should be based on recovery, not a tournament schedule or pressure from a team.
Illinois Youth Sports Concussion Requirements for Parents to Know
Illinois law is designed to protect students, and it requires schools to have concussion oversight teams and protocols in place for returning student-athletes to sports and to the classroom after a suspected concussion.
If a student may have sustained a concussion during a practice or competition, they must be removed from practice or the game. They cannot resume participation until they have:
- Been properly evaluated
- Completed the required return-to-play and return-to-learn steps
- Received the required written clearance from an authorized healthcare professional
A coach cannot authorize a student’s return to practice or competition.
Illinois also requires a parent or guardian to acknowledge concussion information before each school year’s athletics participation. Check with your child’s school for its procedures, and seek medical guidance for suspected concussions that occur on or off campus.
Help Your Child Return Safely With Pediatric Care
Before the season starts, talk with your child about reporting head impacts (even when they seem mild) and the importance of wearing their protective gear during sports.
If you suspect a concussion, schedule an assessment with a pediatrician right away and follow their advice for school, sports, and general activity. If you have questions about your child’s sports participation, head injury, concussion symptoms, or recovery plan, we always welcome you to contact Children’s Wellness Center.