Kids and Concussions

By Heather Bywaters RN PHN

Parachute Safe Kids Week (https://parachute.ca/en/program/safe-kids-week/) is an annual awareness campaign designed to bring attention to predictable and preventable injuries in children. For June 2 to June 8, 2025, the theme is #KidsAndConcussions.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury caused by a blow to the head, face, neck or body that causes a sudden jarring of the head (e.g. a ball to the head, or colliding with another person). Concussions cannot be detected by routine tests (X-rays, CT scans or MRIs), but can affect the way a person thinks and remembers things.

Common signs and symptoms of a concussion

A child with a concussion may not lose consciousness. Watch your child for the following signs and symptoms, looking for changes in their typical behaviour.

*Physical*	*Cognitive*
Headache and/or pressure in the head Dizziness Nausea and/or vomiting Blurred vision Sensitivity to light or sound Ringing in the ears Lack of balance Tiredness or lack of energy Sleepiness Not feeling like their usual self	Unclear thinking Feeling slow or sluggish Brain fog Difficulty concentrating Difficulty remembering
*Emotional*	*Sleep-related*
Sad Angry or easily upset Nervousness or anxiety More emotional than usual	Sleeping more or less than usual Difficulty falling asleep

Young children with a concussion may have difficulty communicating how they are feeling. Pay attention to the following:

More crying than usual
Unsteadiness when walking
“Dazed” appearance
Lack of interest in toys or activities that normally are favourites
Changes in patterns for breastfeeding, eating or sleeping
Loss of newly learned skills such as toilet learning

If you think your child has a concussion, stop their activity, and seek medical attention as soon as possible. If your child has any of the following “red flag” symptoms, call 911 immediately:

Neck pain
Repeated vomiting

- Increasing confusion
- Seizures
Weakness or tingling in their arms or legs

How is a concussion treated?

Rest, both physically and mentally, is the main treatment for a concussion. Recovering from a concussion can take longer than many people think, and often requires a pause from stimulating activities, such as use of screens. Patience is needed.

When can a child return to regular activities?

A child may resume regular activities when approved by their Health Care Provider, guided by Parachute Canada’s Return to School and/or Sport Strategies https://parachute.ca/en/injury-topic/concussion/

More information about concussions:

https://www.healthunit.com/concussions

https://parachute.ca/en/injury-topic/concussion/

https://parachute.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Concussion-Guide-for-Parents-and-Caregivers.pdf

https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/search/?text=concussion&language=en

Heather Bywaters RN PHN
Middlesex-London Health Unit
For the Middlesex-London Community Early Years Partnership