A tumble, a tackle, a header—concussions can look subtle at first. Knowing what to do in the moment keeps kids safe and speeds recovery.
Recognize it fast
- Common signs: headache, dizziness, nausea, balance problems, sensitivity to light/noise, confusion, “foggy” feeling.
- Behavior clues: slower responses, mood changes, forgetfulness (“What play is this?”).
- Rule #1: remove from play immediately—no same-day return.
Red flags = emergency
- Worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizure, one pupil larger, slurred speech, extreme drowsiness, neck pain, or symptoms that escalate—go to the ER.
The recovery roadmap
- 24–48 hours of relative rest: schoolwork and screen time scaled way back.
- Return-to-learn first: gradual school activities before sports.
- 5-step return-to-play: light aerobic → sport-specific drills → non-contact practice → full practice → game play. If symptoms return, drop back a step.
Prevention and prep
- Fit matters: properly sized helmets and mouthguards (note: helmets don’t prevent concussion, but they reduce skull/face injuries).
- Neck & core strength: better control on impact.
- Baseline testing: useful for contact sports programs.
One-line CTA: Same-day concussion evals available. Book now so your athlete recovers right and returns safely.
