Concussion treatment in children is different than in adults. It is important to protect the developing brain from further harm after a brain injury and provide time to heal. Parents, coaches, health professionals, teachers, and children may have questions about when to move on to the next stage of recovery or when to return to school.
Full Answer
What is the best treatment for a child with a concussion?
Treatment The primary treatment for concussion is rest. Rest helps the brain to heal. The American Academy of Neurology, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Child Neurology Foundation, as well as other experts, all recommend rest for children who have had a concussion.
Why do concussions take so long to heal in children?
There are a few things that are sometimes linked to a longer recovery time for some children and young people. These risk factors include: if a child has had a prolonged loss of consciousness. Sometimes a child who has suffered a concussion will develop a collection of symptoms which last weeks, months or possibly longer.
What is the biggest problem in treating concussions?
The biggest problem in treating concussions is the lack of recognition and identification. This problem has been labeled the "silent epidemic" People are often not familiar with the signs and symptoms of a concussion. Contrary to popular belief, the child does not have to lose consciousness to sustain a concussion.
Why are young children more at risk of concussion?
Younger children are also at risk of concussion because their heads are disproportionately larger compared to the rest of their bodies. Children’s brains are still developing and important connections between cells are still being strengthened.
Why is it important to treat a concussion?
Getting a second concussion before the first concussion is healed can cause a condition known as second impact syndrome, which can increase the chances of severe brain swelling and may be fatal. Remember, it's important to take time to rest after any concussion. This allows your brain to heal.
Why are concussions serious in children?
In rare cases, what is initially thought to be a concussion turns out to be a more severe brain injury with bleeding in or around the brain. Such bleeding can increase pressure on the brain and can be life-threatening.
What can happen if you don't treat a concussion?
A: Concussion left untreated can lead to long-term complications. Potential complications of a concussion include chronic headaches, memory problems, vertigo, and post-concussion syndrome, which is headaches, dizziness, mood swings, and brain fog that can continue for months or years after a concussion.
What is the treatment for concussion in children?
ST: In the absence of severe symptoms that require medical attention, treatment for concussion in kids mostly involves rest and monitoring. After a concussion, parents should slow down children's physical and cognitive activities, such as school or sports, for one to three days.
What are the effects of concussions on the developing brain?
These studies suggest that, among other things, concussions alter the brain's white matter -- the long fibers that carry information from one area of the brain to another. Some recent data suggest the developing brains of children may be more vulnerable to the effects of mild traumatic brain injury.
What happens if you go to sleep with a concussion?
Summary. Sleeping isn't dangerous when you have a concussion. You won't slip into a coma or die if you go to sleep after getting a concussion. It's safe for a concussed person to sleep if they are awake and can hold a conversation, and they don't have obvious concussion symptoms.
Can an untreated concussion cause brain damage?
Getting hit (or falling) hard enough in the head can lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI). When left untreated, TBI can lead to negative, long-term physical effects such as an increased risk of Alzheimer's, immediate memory loss, trouble with verbal communication, and trouble reasoning.
Can a concussion go away by itself?
Most concussions resolve on their own without any lasting effects. However, some concussions can accompany a more serious injury that requires treatment. Seek emergency treatment if you notice any of the following after a concussion: sudden, intense headaches.
How long can a concussion last if not treated?
Concussive symptoms typically resolve in seven to 10 days (sports-related concussions) or within three months (non-athletes) (Epps and Allen, 2017). If symptoms don't resolve after three months, they probably won't go away without therapy.
What is the best thing to do for a concussion?
Rest is the best treatment for post-concussion syndrome. Do not drive if you have taken a prescription pain medicine. Rest in a quiet, dark room until your headache is gone. Close your eyes and try to relax or go to sleep.
What is the best treatment for post-concussion syndrome?
Treatment of Post-Concussion Syndrome. There are two treatment options for post-concussion syndrome, generally speaking: active rehabilitation (therapy) and medication. Therapy is currently the best treatment protocol for restoring healthy cognitive function.
How do you treat a 2 year old with a concussion?
Treatment for a concussion: Sleep or rest quietly for the first 24 hours after the injury. It is safe for your child to sleep even though your child had a concussion. Give pain medicine as ordered by your child's doctor for any headaches, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®).